Description
Tracklements Perfect Ploughman’s Pickle
A British Classic
Tracklements Perfect Ploughman’s Pickle is a proper British classic that fits right in on any cheeseboard. It takes its cue from the ploughman’s lunch; you know, that winning trio of bread, cheese, and pickles, and this jar really does lift things up a gear. The mix of sweet, tangy, and a gentle bit of spice is just right. It’s not just a sidekick either; it can turn a plain lunch into something you’ll actually look forward to.
It looks exactly how you’d want: deep brown, glossy, and with that lovely sticky finish. There are big chunks of veg in there (parsnips, carrots, courgettes, turnips, and onions), all chopped in a way that feels like someone’s made it at home. It spreads nicely but still has a bit of bite, which is just what you want with a good, strong cheese.
Flavour Profile
Give it a sniff, and you get that classic vinegar hit, plus a gentle sweetness that always reminds me of molasses. There’s a slight thought of spice, but nothing that shouts for attention. It really is just a proper British pickle, i.e. tangy, sweet, and earthy.
On the tongue, there’s a bright, tangy kick that slowly develops into a mellow sweetness. The vinegar is properly punchy but not over-the-top, cutting through the richness of the cheese without taking over. Its sweetness is just enough to balance things out. The chopped vegetables bring a hint of earthiness, and the spices add a soothing, gentle warmth. There’s also a savoury note that keeps it firmly in pickle territory, rather than becoming a chutney.
Texture is a big part of the fun here. The chunky veg gives you something to get your teeth into, and the thick sauce sticks to bread or cheese without making a mess. It’s especially good on a bit of crusty bread or with whatever cheese you fancy.
Cheese Pairing Ideas
This pickle really comes into its own with cheese. The tang and sweetness work with all sorts, but there are four cheeses I reckon it goes especially well with:
- You can’t beat a classic. A good, mature Cheddar, such as Westcombe (crumbly and savoury), is spot on with this pickle. The vinegar cuts through the cheese’s richness, and the sweet notes bring out its nutty flavour. Pile it all onto some crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a proper ploughman’s lunch.
- Rutland Red is another go-to favourite of mine. It’s a bit more buttery than Cheddar, with a hint of caramel sweetness. This pickle really brings out those flavours, and the vinegar adds a bit of zing. It’s a really comforting combo
- Double Gloucester sits somewhere in the middle: richer than Rutland Red, but not as strong as Westcombe Cheddar. It’s buttery and firm, and the pickle adds a bit of brightness, spice, and crunch to the creamy cheese
- If you fancy something bolder, Colston Bassett Blue Stilton is a great shout. It’s creamy and crumbly, and the pickle’s sweetness softens the blue while the acidity keeps things fresh. It’s a proper treat on a cheeseboard
Jen’s Note: This pickle is great in sandwiches, with cold meats, or even stirred into recipes for a bit of extra oomph. But for me, it really shines with cheese.
Buying Tracklements Perfect Ploughman’s Pickle
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
mixed vegetables (parsnips, carrots, courgette, turnip, onions), malt vinegar (BARLEY), muscovado sugar, tomato purée, dates, sea salt, concentrated lemon juice, tamarind paste, chillies, allspice
Nutritional Values (per 100g):
Energy: 540kJ/127kcal
Fat: 0.0g
of which saturates: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: 29.0g
of which sugars: 26.0g
Protein: 1.6g
Salt: 0.71g
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
