Gherkins & pickling onions

[terrace max]

Is it worth growing your own of these veg just for pickling, in terms of taste? If so, which varieties of gherkin and onion should I look for??

[terrace max]

[Derekthefox]

I grew gherkins two years ago, they were just called gherkins. I got a large pickle jar from a local chip shop, and filled it. We are still eating them ...

Derekthefox :D

[terrace max]

How do they taste Derek: better than shop bought?

[Derekthefox]

Ha ha, I would always claim homegrown stuff to taste better! However being totally honest, there is not that much difference, so apart from any financial considerations, it comes down to the satisfaction of having done your own ...

Derekthefox :D

[Meg]

Pickled some onions. Oh the tears over that ??? But they taste good and bought are so expensive. The enjoyment of saying it is home produce gives you a boost.

[Derekthefox]

Oooh chilli centres, now you are talking my type of food !!!

I might try some paris type, the little ones, I have always enjoyed those on a salad, or with a plate of cheese or cold meat (seeing as the turkey season is approaching - bah humbug!)

Derekthefox :D

[Meg]

I grew shallots put some hot pickle in mine too gave them a real zing.

[aquilegia]

Grew some Paris Silverskin this year (and bought seeds for next year too). Didn't manage to pickle any, though, as they were just too yummy roasted whole! Will try next year. (Mr Aqui loves pickled onions!)

[djbrenton]

I pickle shallots instead of onions as they seem to be crunchier and I also pickle gherkin slices. This year I chose to use organic cider vinegar and pickling spice. Brilliant, miles better than shop bought if you like a bite to them.

If you want any gherkin seeds pm me.

[Looby Loo]

I grew gerkins this year.  Ended up with loads so I made some gerkin and dill, and gerkin and mint pickle.  Really yummy!  Nice in a sandwich

[Derekthefox]

Gherkin and mint! There is a combination I had not thought of, it sounds as if it would go nicely with spicy food eg indian ...

Derekthefox :D

[tim]

I would always have rated mine as best - until I came across Garner's Onions & Shallots.

[Derekthefox]

Even second best is a worthy accolade Tim, when you are comparing with a product like Garner's ...

Derekthefox :D

[fbgrifter]

what kind of vinegar do u use tim?

[redimp]

Which shallot would you recommend - I have a choice of Golden Gourmet, Pikant and Red Sun through my lottie association.  Would like them for pickling and cooking.

[djbrenton]

I found both golden gourmet and red sun good but red sun's more prone to rot ( as red onions seem to be ). I've got red banana shallots and echalots grises this year too.

[moonbells]

I've been growing Topper for a few years now but last year was quite disappointed with the batch I got from Marshall's.  More to the point, disappointed with one of the two bags, as I got distinctly different bulbs from each bag -  you could tell where I'd planted the first bag and moved to the second! This coming season I'm going to try Golden Gourmet from the lottie Shed!

moonbells

[Derekthefox]

I have noticed that my red onions seem to rot more readily, although I have not been helping matters, because I tend to pack them into carrier bags for transport, and then they get left ...

Derekthefox :D

[terrace max]

My shallots have rotted this year. Never happened before. Annoyed.

[Derekthefox]

Well  I have no red ones left now, but must remember about them rotting for next year ... and keep the carrier bags purely for transport ...

Derekthefox :D