“Around my “neck of the woods, Chow Chow is one of those end of the season recipes that utilizes things that are quickly fading from the backyard garden” writes Steve Gordon on his food blog, Taste of Southern. That being said, the many North American versions of this pickled relish can feature a variety of ingredients including cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, beans, carrots, onions, asparagus, peas, cauliflower, and more.
Although its precise origins are unknown, Chow Chow has always been an opportunity for folks to follow that old southern tradition of making use of everything they had. The creativity and ingenuity needed for that waste-not, want-not mindset produced a pickled relish dish bursting with flavor. It often comes in sweet or hot varieties and is dynamic in its uses. Chow Chow can be eaten by itself or on a biscuit, hot dog, salad, pinto beans, or hamburger–just to name a few ideas!
Although there are many varieties, the Floyd Country Store has kept our version to a more Southern style. This beloved Chow Chow recipe features carrots, onions, cauliflower, celery, bell peppers, apple cider vinegar, mustard, turmeric, salt, and sugar. It’s as colorful as it is tasty! Our house-made chow chow is a delicious addition to pinto beans, piled high on a hot dog (available on the weekends), and comes with our Pickled Beet Salad and Country Bowl. We hope you’ll stop by the cafe to try some!