Branston (brand)

Branston is a British brand of pickled chutney, best known for its original Branston Pickle, a jarred pickled chutney first made in 1922 in the village of Branston near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England. The brand has since expanded its range of products and has become a staple in British households, often associated with cheese sandwiches and ploughman's lunches.

History

The Branston brand was originally created by Crosse & Blackwell, a British food production company, in 1922. The pickle was a unique blend of vegetables in a thick sauce, featuring small chunks of carrot, rutabaga, onions, cauliflower, and gherkins pickled in a sauce made from vinegar, tomato, apple, and spices. It quickly became popular across the United Kingdom for its distinctive taste and texture.

In 2004, the brand was sold to Premier Foods and was later acquired by Mizkan, a Japanese company, in 2013. Despite these changes in ownership, Branston Pickle has remained a beloved condiment in the UK and around the world.

Products

Branston's product line has expanded beyond the original pickle to include a variety of other products, such as:

• Small Chunk Pickle: A version of the original pickle with smaller chunks for easier spreading.
• Smooth Pickle: A smooth version of the pickle, with the vegetables blended into a paste, suitable for sandwiches and dips.
• Rich & Fruity Sauce: A sauce variant that combines the traditional Branston flavor with a fruitier taste.
• Baked Beans: Branston also offers baked beans in a sauce that includes the Branston pickle flavor, adding a unique twist to the traditional baked beans.

Cultural Impact

Branston Pickle has become an iconic British condiment, often associated with the classic cheese sandwich and the traditional ploughman's lunch, a dish that typically includes slices of cheese, bread, and pickles. Its unique taste and texture have made it a favorite among generations of Britons, and it has been featured in various cultural references, including television shows and books.

See Also

• Chutney
• Pickling
• Crosse & Blackwell
• British cuisine