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Giardiniera

Is vegetable variety the key to this spicy condiment? We tested seven products to find out.

Published Feb. 1, 2008.

See Everything We Tested

What You Need To Know

In Italy, giardiniera refers to pickled vegetables that are typically eaten as an antipasto. But here in the United States, it’s most recognized as a combination of pickled cauliflower, carrots, celery, and sweet and hot peppers that is served alongside sandwiches or other lunch fare.

On a trip to Chicago to research recipes, we were impressed by that city’s devotion to this spicy condiment. We tracked down three regional Chicago brands of jarred giardiniera and tasted them against five national brands. While tasters were impressed by the “spicy complexity” and “pleasant bitterness” of one of Chicago’s brands, we wanted a larger variety of vegetables (the Chicago giardinieras are mostly peppers). Our favorite was praised for its “sharp, vinegary tang” and variety of vegetables in the pickle.

Everything We Tested

*All products reviewed by America’s Test Kitchen are independently chosen, researched, and reviewed by our editors. We buy products for testing at retail locations and do not accept unsolicited samples for testing. We list suggested sources for recommended products as a convenience to our readers but do not endorse specific retailers. When you choose to purchase our editorial recommendations from the links we provide, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices are subject to change.

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The mission of America’s Test Kitchen Reviews is to find the best equipment and ingredients for the home cook through rigorous, hands-on testing.

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