Relish

Relish is a prepared condiment made from chopped vegetables or fruits that are often pickled or briefly cooked with a sweet-sour brine. It typically contains vinegar, sugar, salt, and various seasonings, and is designed to add bright, tangy or sweet flavor and texture to dishes. Relish is distinguished from chutneys by a lighter, chunkier consistency and shorter cooking time, and from purees by its pieces rather than a smooth paste. Common varieties include cucumber relish, corn relish, and sweet pickle relish, but many regions produce tomato, onion, pepper, or fruit relishes such as pineapple or cranberry.

Preparation methods vary, but relishes are usually created by finely dicing the ingredients, combining them with a brine or dressing, and allowing flavors to meld. They can be fermented, brined, or cooked briefly to soften the texture before canning or jar storage. Once opened, relishes are typically kept refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks, though commercially produced jars may have longer shelf stability when unopened.

Uses for relish are broad. It is commonly served as a condiment on hot dogs and burgers, added to sandwiches, or used to brighten grilled fish or meats. Relishes can also enrich dips, salads, dressings, and sauces, or provide a sweet-tangy contrast in cheese or charcuterie platters. In various cuisines, similar preparations may be referred to as corn relish, piccalilli, or chutney, though terminology and ingredients can differ by region.