Not really. Cornichons are spiced slightly differently, and cost more. But, they're basically the same: tiny pickled cucumbers.
Contrary to popular believe, gherkins are not cucumbers. Gherkins and cucumbers are related but not the same plant race. This is a slight difference botanically, but quite a difference in taste and appearance.
Cornichons are indeed harvested before they are fullgrown. After that they are pickled according to a French recipe. This results in pickles that are slightly less salty then the average pickled gherkin.
Answers
July 5, 2011
Not really. Cornichons are spiced slightly differently, and cost more. But, they're basically the same: tiny pickled cucumbers.
Contrary to popular believe, gherkins are not cucumbers. Gherkins and cucumbers are related but not the same plant race. This is a slight difference botanically, but quite a difference in taste and appearance.
Cornichons are indeed harvested before they are fullgrown. After that they are pickled according to a French recipe. This results in pickles that are slightly less salty then the average pickled gherkin.