Preserved cucumber is one of the world's favourite savoury accompaniments. Janice Leung is pickled pink Del Monte Sweet Gherkin Pickles The balance of sugar and vinegar is important for pickle lovers, and this offering is one for the sweet camp. The syrupy sweetness is followed by a short, sharp vinegar hit. Medium-sized, they hold their shape well and offer a little bite. HK$35.50, Wellcome, citywide Beaufor Gherkins in Vinegar You can clearly taste salt in these, which brings out their herbal, vegetal quality. These are small, no more than about 3cm long, and also quite sour. While they don't offer a satisfying crunch, they are reasonably crisp. HK$46, City'super, citywide Delicias Gherkins These are the crispest of those tried. However, they taste more savoury than they do sour, with a flavour reminiscent of steamed green peas. Bland and boring overall, aside from great texture they have little to tempt the gherkin lover. HK$28, City'super, citywide Maille Extra Fine Gherkins Mustard seeds and pearl onions give these gherkins a richer, spicier flavour. The vinegar, sugar and salt combination is well balanced, and the mustard seeds give an edge. More crispness would be nice. HK$57.70, Oliver's, 2/F Prince's Building, Central Kuhne Pickled Gherkins This large variety lacks that vinegar tang, but the flavours are balanced, with enough sweetness and saltiness to go well with a hotdog. Unfortunately, they are slightly mushy and have a faint mustiness. HK$33.50, ThreeSixty, The Landmark, Central
