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Dorothy V

(501 posts)
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 04:25 PM 23 hrs ago

I keep getting asked, online mostly, what is Chow Chow? Well, it's a Southern relish and a mighty fine one.

Chow chow is a relish made with cabbage, green tomato, onion, and bell peppers, red or green or often both. Other ingredients may be added, there are about as many recipes for it as there are people who do home canning down here. Those four are sure to be found though. It uses vinegar and sugar for a sweet-sour taste. It comes in mild and hot varieties.

Chow chow can be used the same as pickle relishes, on hot dogs and burgers and the like. It can also be used in other ways - it's great on beans! I love it on fish. Experiment with it, you can find lots of larrupin uses for it. Mix it in cream cheese for a great dip. Use it to make potato salad!

It is available commercially. If you don't live down South, you can buy it online. Tennessee's Best and Mrs. Renfro's are common brands.
The Amish also make a relish called chow chow, but the ingredients are different.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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debm55

(59,084 posts)
5. Thank you Dorothy V. I have never tried either. Will look in my store or order at the places you recommended.
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 04:46 PM
23 hrs ago

Dorothy V

(501 posts)
8. I hope you can find some, surely online you ought to if nowhere else. I think you'll like it!
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 05:02 PM
22 hrs ago

Freddie

(10,090 posts)
7. I think Pennsylvania Dutch chow-chow is a little different
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 04:51 PM
22 hrs ago

Pickled veggies cut small (carrots, cauliflower, cucumber I think) cut small. Think pickles but other veggies. My parents liked it, I never did but I’ll have to try it again.

Dorothy V

(501 posts)
11. Definitely different from Southern Chow Chow! Do try the Southern Style! It's really good!
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 05:04 PM
22 hrs ago

Dorothy V

(501 posts)
12. I had to look giardiniera up. It is more like the Amish version. Southern style is Different.
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 05:07 PM
22 hrs ago

Dave in VA

(2,276 posts)
16. I love southern style chow chow.
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 05:43 PM
22 hrs ago

Eat it on greens all the time. Cabbage, collards, kale, etc. Grew up with it and still enjoy it very much.

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