What Makes a Great Sweet Pickle Relish?
True to its enthusiastic moniker, sweet pickle relish is an essential condiment that adds enjoyment and zest to a wide variety of foods. Be it a ballpark hot dog or upscale skirt steak, many dishes can benefit from a great relish. A high-quality sweet pickle relish will have a bright and vibrant green color. It should appear fresh and have a balanced complexion, looking neither unnaturally intense nor overly dull or artificial. The aroma of a great relish will be balanced and mild, containing cucumber, vinegar, herbs, spices, garlic, and vegetable notes. This character is bright and animated yet controlled, with the vinegar aroma and taste never dominating. Sweetness and sourness are the essential building blocks of any respectable sweet pickle relish, each taste playing equal roles in the contribution. Cucumber and vinegar flavors should present themselves first, followed by a slightly more subdued spice and honey notes. Just like its playful color, the flavor character of an excellen
