Chow chow is a relish or condiment that originates from the Southern United States. It typically consists of chopped and pickled vegetables like green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, carrots, beans, corn, peppers, and cauliflower mixed together in a vinegar-based sauce. Chow chow has a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavor. It can be served as a condiment alongside foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, and more.
Chow chow is commonly associated with Southern cooking and is a staple condiment in many Southern households. It has roots tracing back to Native American and European immigrant cuisines. Over the years, many regions have developed their own unique recipes and variations of chow chow. Tennessee chow chow is one such regional variation that has gained popularity.
So what exactly is in Tennessee chow chow and how does it differ from other chow chow recipes? This article will explore the key ingredients and flavors that characterize Tennessee style chow chow. We’ll also look at some history behind how this relish became a Tennessee specialty.
Key Ingredients in Tennessee Chow Chow
Like most chow chow recipes, Tennessee chow chow contains a mix of chopped vegetables preserved in a spiced vinegar solution. However, there are some signature ingredients that help distinguish Tennessee style chow chow. Some key components include:
Cabbage
Cabbage is the primary vegetable used in Tennessee chow chow. Chopped green cabbage gives the relish its crunchy texture and bulk. Red cabbage can also sometimes be used for color contrast. Cabbage has a relatively neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients’ tastes to come through.
Green Tomatoes
Unripe green tomatoes are another quintessential ingredient in Tennessee chow chow. Chopped green tomatoes contribute a tangy, tart flavor and added crunch. Green tomatoes help balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
Onions
Onions play an important supporting role in Tennessee chow chow. Yellow or white onions are typically used. When chopped, onions add layers of savory, pungent, and sweet flavors.
Carrots
Shredded or chopped carrots bring a subtle sweetness and touch of color. Carrots complement the sharper notes from onions and green tomatoes.
Green Bell Peppers
Diced green peppers add a crisp, grassy element with subtle spiciness. They provide texture and reinforce the relish’s fresh, vegetable-forward taste.
Apples
Apples are not found in all chow chow recipes, but they are a key component in many Tennessee versions. Chopped tart green apples like Granny Smith add fruity tartness and texture.
Spices and Seasonings
The spice blend is what really defines Tennessee chow chow’s signature flavor. Typical spices include mustard powder, black pepper, turmeric, celery seed, ginger, and red pepper flakes. This mingling of spices gives the relish its addictive flavor depth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The pickled vegetables and fruits are united in an apple cider vinegar solution. Apple cider vinegar provides acidity to balance the sweetness while also infusing flavor. White distilled vinegar is sometimes used in addition to or in place of apple cider vinegar.
The Flavor Profile
When these ingredients come together, Tennessee chow chow has a distinctive flavor profile. It is:
– Sweet and tangy from the contrast of fruits and vinegar
– Crunchy and crisp from the mix of fresh vegetables
– Savory and oniony from generous amounts of chopped onions
– Spicy, but not intensely hot, thanks to spices like mustard, pepper, and red pepper
– Fruity and appley due to apple cider vinegar and chopped green apples
Compared to some other chow chow styles, Tennessee chow chow tends to be sweeter with more dominant apple, onion, and fruit flavors. The vegetables have a crunchy freshness vs. being cooked to mushiness. Spicing levels are modest, producing a relish with gentle heat.
Origins and History
Chow chow originated from a need to preserve fresh vegetables for longer storage. European immigrant groups brought pickled vegetable recipes to America. Enslaved Africans, Native Americans, and settlers all influenced the development of chow chow using available produce.
Tennessee chow chow is thought to have roots tracing back to the Appalachian and Ozark mountain regions. Vegetable plots provided staples like cabbage, onions, beans, and corn. Fruits like apples and green tomatoes grew abundantly. Vinegar and spices helped preserve the bountiful produce. Mountain settlers depended on canned and pickled foods like chow chow through cold winters when fresh vegetables were scarce.
As Tennessee chow chow was passed down through generations, families customized recipes to their tastes. The relish became a standard on Southern Appalachian tables and a hallmark of regional cuisine. Commercial production eventually made Tennessee chow chow available across the country. Today it can be found in major grocery stores while also being made fresh in home kitchens.
How to Use Tennessee Chow Chow
Tennessee chow chow is extremely versatile. Its sweet-tangy flavor complements and enhances many dishes. Some popular ways to enjoy Tennessee chow chow include:
– Served alongside barbecue dishes like pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, or brisket
– Topping hot dogs, hamburgers, corndogs, and sausages
– Added to sandwiches and wraps for flavor and crunch
– Used as a dip for chicken tenders or french fries
– Served with grilled meats like chicken, pork chops, or steak
– Spooned on top of baked beans or green beans
– Mixed into potato salad, coleslaw, or macaroni salad
– Used in place of relish on deli sandwiches
– Served as a topping for nachos, tacos, chili, or soups
– Added to deviled eggs or egg salad
– Used as a glaze or sauce for meatloaf
– Added to bloody mary cocktails for a spicy kick
Tennessee chow chow’s sweet-tangy taste and crunchy texture enhances so many recipes. A jar in the fridge ensures you can elevate everyday meals through the seasons.
How Long Does it Last?
An opened jar of Tennessee chow chow will typically last 4-6 weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator. An unopened jar can remain good 1-2 years at room temperature from the bottling date.
Here are some tips for getting the longest shelf life from your chow chow:
– Refrigerate after opening and keep tightly sealed between uses
– Use clean utensils each time to avoid introducing new bacteria
– Look for any mold, sliminess, or unpleasant odors that can indicate spoilage
– Discard if liquid becomes cloudy, vegetables lose crispness, or color fades
– Avoid letting the relish sit at room temperature for prolonged periods after opening
– For long term storage, freeze chow chow in airtight containers up to 12 months
– Canning your own chow chow extends shelf life – processed jars can last 12+ months when stored in cool, dark place
With proper refrigeration and storage methods, an opened jar of chow chow can keep for over a month. The chow chow’s high vinegar content helps prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Popular Tennessee Chow Chow Brands
Tennessee chow chow reaches far beyond just homemade versions! Several mass-produced brands have popularized Tennessee style chow chow:
Crosby’s
One of the largest and most widely available Tennessee chow chow brands is Crosby’s. Founded in 1934 and based in Tennessee, Crosby’s produces multiple flavors of chow chow. Their Original Tennessee Chow Chow features a classic sweet and tangy recipe.
Mom’s
Mom’s Chow Chow is another beloved brand based out of Tennessee. As the name suggests, it bills itself as an authentic homemade-tasting recipe passed down through generations. They offer Original and Hot & Spicy versions.
Jack Daniel’s
The famous Tennessee whiskey distillery also produces its own line of branded chow chow and relishes. Jack Daniel’s Chow Chow combines Tennessee chow chow with whiskey flavors.
Grandma’s
Grandma’s Chow Chow is a Southern staple often found in grocery stores. They produce an array of fruit and vegetable chow chow flavors like Apple, Peach, and Pickled Okra.
The Nashville Jam Co
This Nashville-based company handcrafts small batch artisanal chow chow. They put a gourmet spin on the relish in flavors like Jalapeño Lime.
Tennessee T’+J’s
Family owned Tennessee T’+J’s provides a range of pickled goods. Their chow chow comes in mild and hot varieties.
In addition to the major brands, many local Tennessee farms, orchards, and food businesses also produce their own chow chow relishes. Sampling different brands lets you experience the diverse recipes and flavors.
How to Make Your Own
You can also easily prepare fresh Tennessee chow chow at home with a simple recipe. Here is an outline of ingredients and steps:
Ingredients
– 1 head green cabbage, chopped
– 4 cups chopped green tomatoes
– 1 cup chopped yellow onion
– 2 apples, cored and chopped
– 1 cup sliced carrot rounds
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 2 tablespoons mustard seed
– 1 tablespoon celery seed
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 2 teaspoons turmeric
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 cups apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Combine all chopped vegetables and apples in a large bowl. Mix together well.
2. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, spices, salt, and vinegar. Whisk thoroughly so sugar fully dissolves.
3. Pour vinegar mixture over the vegetables. Stir to evenly coat vegetables.
4. Transfer chow chow mixture to jars or containers with tight lids. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
5. Store prepared chow chow in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks.
Adjust ingredients to your tastes by adding more heat with red pepper flakes or more sweetness with extra sugar. Swap in other favorite vegetables too! Homemade chow chow makes an easy starter recipe for beginners.
Nutrition Facts
As a vegetable and fruit based relish, Tennessee chow chow offers some nutritional value. Here are some of the main vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in 1/4 cup serving of chow chow:
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 474 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 11 mg |
| Vitamin A | 485 IU |
| Calcium | 44 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Chow chow is low calorie, fat free, and high in vitamin C from ingredients like green peppers, cabbage, and tomatoes. It provides some fiber, vitamin A, calcium, and iron too. The main drawbacks are high sodium content from salt used during processing. Overall, chow chow can be a nutritious addition to foods in moderation.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tennessee chow chow:
Is chow chow the same as relish?
Chow chow is very similar to relish with a key difference being that chow chow contains more vegetables while relish relies more on pickles or pickled cucumbers. Both are vinegary condiments often used interchangeably.
Where does the name “chow chow” come from?
The origin of the name is unclear, but some theories suggest it derives from French or Belgian terms related to mixed vegetable pickles. “Chow” may come from the French “chou” meaning cabbage.
What’s the difference between green and red chow chow?
Green chow chow gets its color mainly from green tomatoes and cabbage while red chow chow uses more red cabbage. In terms of taste, red chow chow is often sweeter with a subtle flavor difference.
Can you substitute relish for chow chow?
Yes, you can substitute sweet relish for chow chow in most recipes. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but the relish will provide a similar sweet-tangy punch.
How spicy is Tennessee chow chow?
Most Tennessee chow chow has modest heat. But you can find hotter versions made with extra spices or peppers. Check labels for terms like “mild” or “hot” to gauge the spice level.
Conclusion
Tennessee chow chow stands out as a unique Southern relish with roots tracing back generations. Distinct ingredients like cabbage, green tomatoes, apples, and onions blend to create its signature sweet-tangy flavor with gentle spice. This versatile condiment enhances everything from hot dogs to barbecue. Major brands like Crosby’s popularized Tennessee chow chow, but you can also craft your own homemade version. A jar of this Southern staple condiment delivers big flavor for any meal.