After receiving the Great Taste Award 2-star for Youngs Provisions, we wanted to dig a little deeper into the history and origins of Piccalilli.
The best explanation was found in British History Online – www.british-history.ac.uk
‘A pickle is composed of a mixture of chopped vegetables and hot spices, one of which is invariably turmeric that gives its distinctive colour. Piccalilli was also known as Indian pickle and English Chow Chow [Simmonds (1906)]; [tradecards (18c.)]. Mason and Brown suggest that this pickle was introduced in the middle of the eighteenth century, and that its name was probably a play on ‘pickle’.
The first known record of the name ‘piccalilli’ is in 1772 by a Mrs Raffald in her cookbook, who gave a recipe for making ‘Indian Pickle or Piccalillo’ that is very similar to modern ones. Her recipe was clearly adapted to domestic cookery, using only common vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, raddish pods, kidney beans and beetroot or ‘any other thing you commonly pickle’.
No recipe book prior to Raffald’s has been found to contain a recipe under the name of piccalilli, but thereafter most included one, often lifted virtually verbatim from Raffald. Tellingly, the first edition of Hannah Glasse’s cookery book did not contain a recipe for it, but by the 5th edition in 1755 she included one for ‘Indian Pickle’.
‘If piccalilli originated in the east, which is at least possible given its alternative name, it may have formerly had more exotic ingredients along the lines of skill’s ‘Indian pickles, or exquisite and much admired Pickalilly, composed of hot mixed pickles after the manner of those prepared in the east indies; Mangoes, cauliflowers, lemons, gherkins, onions, samphire, Indian cabbage, French beans, carrots.
Although up-market shops may have continued to sell such exotic versions, piccalilli became par excellence the pickle of choice for domestic make, as it readily accommodated gluts of vegetables from the garden. as Raffald advised, ‘you may put in fresh pickles, as things come in season, and keep them covered with vinegar.’
To try our delicious award-winning Piccalilli, visit our shop here.
FAQs
Piccalilli originated in England. The first written recipe appears to be Lady Anne Blencowe's. In 1694 she wrote down a recipe that she called “to pickle lila”, which she in turn accredited to Lord Kilmore. "The great thing about piccalilli is that it is a very adjustable and forgiving condiment.
What is the nickname of piccalilli? ›
Piccalilli was also known as Indian pickle and English Chow Chow [Simmonds (1906)]; [tradecards (18c.)]. Mason and Brown suggest that this pickle was introduced in the middle of the eighteenth century, and that its name was probably a play on 'pickle'.
What is the difference between chow chow and piccalilli? ›
Chowchow appeared in many early Southern cookbooks as "piccalilli '' and "Indian pickle," likely because this Southern relish closely resembles the British condiment called piccalilli, although piccalilli is typically heavier on mustard, more yellow, and contains other vegetables.
Why is piccalilli yellow? ›
Piccalilli is the British interpretation of an Indian style pickle from the days of the Raj. The key spices are mustard and turmeric which give the tangy condiment its characteristic yellow hue.
What's the difference between pickle and piccalilli? ›
Piccalilli is a bit of a combination of both of these. While piccalilli's exact origins are unknown, it is a mix of the ingredients of ploughman's pickle (most commonly cauliflower, pearl onions, carrots, celery, etc.) and Indian spices like turmeric and cumin. So all three ARE different.
What is the history of piccalilli? ›
Piccalilli originated in England. The first written recipe appears to be Lady Anne Blencowe's. In 1694 she wrote down a recipe that she called “to pickle lila”, which she in turn accredited to Lord Kilmore. "The great thing about piccalilli is that it is a very adjustable and forgiving condiment.
What does piccalilli mean in English? ›
Piccalilli, or mustard pickle, is a British interpretation of South Asian pickles, a relish of chopped and pickled vegetables and spices.
Do Americans have piccalilli? ›
It's worth noting that the Americans have their own version of piccalilli, but it doesn't taste anything like the traditional Dutch and English types.
What are the chunks in piccalilli? ›
Large chunks of cauliflower, onions, courgettes, celery and cucumber in a more sweet than sharp piccalilli.
How long will piccalilli last? ›
Once opened it should be kept cool place and away from bright light and will last up to 6 weeks. For those who need more than a jar, we also have catering sizes.
Our crunchy Heinz Piccalilli Pickle is bursting with irresistibly tangy flavour. Made with only quality of ingredients, this pickle is perfect for livening up a crispy salad or to add a quick kick to a jacket potato.
Which is the tastiest pickle in the world? ›
List of the best pickles available online
| Top-rated Pickles | Amazon Rating | Amazon Price |
|---|
| Pravin Suhana Pickles Mango Pickle | 4.4 / 5 | Explore Now |
| Soul Garlic Pickle in Olive Oil | 4.1 / 5 | Explore Now |
| Mother's Recipe Mixed Pickle | 4.1 / 5 | Explore Now |
| Tops Gold Mixed Pickle | 3.9 / 5 | Explore Now |
6 more rowsFeb 15, 2024
Perfect for a ploughmans or pork pie. Peps up any cheese or ham sandwich. Mash into a jacket potato for a delicious quick lunch.
What is Lily's nickname? ›
Lils, Lil or Lee are more common nicknames for Lily. You could even go for Lilster, Lilsy, Ily, Lolly, nicknames that have words rhyming with Lily (e.g. Lily Pily, Lily Chilli) or nicknames that relate to the name Lily (e.g. Lilybug, Lilypad).
What is Dilly a nickname for? ›
This feminine name has Welsh roots and is a diminutive of Dilys, Dilwen, and Daffodil, meaning "image of worship." It also comes from the Greek Cordelia, which takes its meaning from the Late Latin for "heart." Dilly may also be a nickname of the German Ottilie, meaning "prosperous in battle." Together, these origins ...
What is Piccadilly pickle? ›
A British pickle favourite filled with fresh cauliflower, onion, gherkin, carrot & green beans. This cold, platter-perfect, sandwich-essential, built-for-dipping and picnic-ready classic is an essential table top accessory.
Why did they name pickles pickles? ›
The term pickle is derived from the Dutch word pekel, meaning brine.
