McDonald’s makes some of the most famous and popular burgers in the world and their recipes have long been examined by fans and competitors to try and work out the secret of their flavors.
One of the key ingredients of their signature Big Mac is the pickle, or gherkin, as it’s known in the UK and other parts of the world.
So yes, Mcdonald’s does use both pickles and gherkins, it just depends on what part of the world you’re in as they’re technically the same exact thing.
If you’re unsure, pickles in the US are usually cucumbers that have been pickled in vinegar, brine as well as other ingredients and left to ferment. After a period of time, the cucumber changes into a pickle thanks to the fermentation process, giving them a distinct flavor and texture that is used by Mcdonald’s to add flavor to their burgers.
Gherkins are made through the same process as pickles, the name difference is simply a different word to describe the same thing, used in other parts of the world, particularly Commonwealth countries.
In some places, pickles don’t even need to be cucumbers at all. People pickle all types of vegetables and whenever these vegetables go through the pickling process, they can technically be referred to as, you guessed it, pickles!