The Difference Between Relish And Chow Chow

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Among the many Southern side dishes with quirky names, chow chow is so nice you'll want to say it twice. This beloved batch of pickled late-summer vegetables is often compared to classic relish made from pickled cucumbers. Although the two share similarities in the method of preparation and some serving suggestions, you might be interested to know that relish and chow chow are not the same. In fact, chow chow is actually a type of relish.

It's first worth understanding what relish actually is. Similar to a chutney, relish is a type of condiment. Relish is usually made with either fruit, vegetables, or a mixture of both that have been chopped into a fine consistency. One of the hallmarks of relish is its tangy taste that can be attributed to the presence of acidic vinegar flavored with sugar and other spices.

Whereas popular pickle relishes have a set standard of ingredients, chow chow traditionally starts with a base of cabbage and green tomatoes. Known as the South's beloved bumper crop relish, ingredients will vary from season to season based on the availability of vegetables. There are also a number of culinary applications for both chow chow and relish, with some overlap and other distinct differences.

There is some difference in consistency between pickle and chow chow relish, given the ingredients. Chow chow is slightly more tender and chunky from the cabbage and tomato ingredients than a finer and more uniform pickle relish. In a Facebook group called "Appalachian Americans," users discussed the differences between chow chow and relish, with one commenter noting, "relish on hot dogs, chow chow with beans and cornbread." 

Chow chow certainly might make a tasty topping on your next grilled hot dog, though. The cabbage content would provide a unique, Southern-style spin on a traditional sauerkraut. You might even try mixing up the two if you'd like to vary the taste and textures. Experiment with your favorite cornbread recipes to find which one would best suit a topping of chow chow. 

When comparing the two, it's also important to note that there are plenty of popular pickle relish brands on grocery store shelves. In contrast, chow chow is typically homemade, though some jarred chow chow varieties are available online or at the store. If you're curious about either one, try making your own version of each relish to taste the difference for yourself.