What is the difference between lady ashburn pickles and sweet mustard pickles?

Lady Ashburn Pickles and Sweet Mustard Pickles are both types of pickles that have distinct flavor profiles and preparation methods. Here's the difference between the two:

Lady Ashburn Pickles:

- Origin: Lady Ashburn Pickles are a Southern American pickle recipe, specifically associated with the state of Georgia.

- Ingredients: Lady Ashburn Pickles consist of small whole cucumbers preserved in a pickling liquid made with vinegar, sugar, and various spices, including mustard seeds, celery seeds, and allspice.

- Flavor Profile: Lady Ashburn Pickles have a balanced flavor with a combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. The mustard seeds contribute a subtle mustardy flavor without being overpowering.

- Appearance: These pickles have a light greenish-yellow color and are typically small and whole, about the size of gherkins.

- Texture: Lady Ashburn Pickles have a crunchy and crisp texture.

- Preparation: The cucumbers are first brined in a saltwater solution, then soaked in a pickling liquid with the vinegar, sugar, and spices. The pickles are typically processed and sealed in jars for preservation.

Sweet Mustard Pickles:

- Origin: Sweet Mustard Pickles are popular in various regions of the United States, but they don't have a specific regional origin.

- Ingredients: Sweet Mustard Pickles are made using either whole or sliced cucumbers, along with mustard seeds, vinegar, sugar, and additional spices like turmeric, celery seeds, and sometimes onion or garlic.

- Flavor Profile: As the name suggests, Sweet Mustard Pickles have a dominant mustard flavor. They are sweet and tangy with a spicy kick from the mustard seeds. The balance of sweetness and mustardy flavor varies depending on the recipe.

- Appearance: These pickles have a more vibrant yellow color compared to Lady Ashburn Pickles. They can be whole or sliced, but they are generally larger in size than Lady Ashburn Pickles.

- Texture: Sweet Mustard Pickles typically have a slightly softer and less crisp texture compared to Lady Ashburn Pickles.

- Preparation: Sweet Mustard Pickles are prepared by combining the cucumbers, spices, and pickling liquid in a pot and simmering them until the desired flavor and texture are achieved. They are then preserved in jars or airtight containers.

In summary, Lady Ashburn Pickles have a more subtle mustard flavor, are smaller and have a greenish-yellow color, while Sweet Mustard Pickles have a more pronounced mustardy taste, a brighter yellow color, and slightly larger size. Both types of pickles are sweet, tangy, and make for delicious accompaniments to sandwiches, salads, and many other dishes.