Super source
Vitamin C
8.43 mg · 9% DV target
A small, crisp variety of cucumber typically pickled in brine or vinegar, gherkins offer a sharp, acidic crunch that serves as a low-calorie palate cleanser or condiment.
Gherkins, as a non-starchy vegetable, contribute to the high daily intake of fruits and vegetables (at least 400g or five portions) recommended by the WHO and other major health organizations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality .78
Because they are primarily composed of water and are very low in calories, gherkins can be integrated into low-energy diets (<1,200 kcal/day), which have been shown to support weight loss and improve glycemic control (blood sugar management) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Gherkins provide dietary fiber, including soluble fiber which can help lower blood cholesterol by binding to bile acids in the gut and encouraging the liver to remove cholesterol from the blood .10
Unlike many other vegetable preparations, gherkins are often pickled in brine, which significantly increases their chloride and sodium content compared to fresh cucumbers.
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
8.43 mg · 9% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep submerged in brine to maintain texture and prevent spoilage.
Cucumbers have a relatively low carbon footprint, though glass jar production and transport add to the total impact.
The word gherkin comes from the early modern Dutch word 'gurken', which traces back to the medieval Greek 'angourion', meaning 'unripe cucumber'.