My love for specific brands and, in particular, Carmel Dill cucumbers (gherkins) are well documented on these, the hallowed pages of 2oceansvibe (here, here and here).

The last time I chatted to the owner of the Camps Bay Friendly store, he informed me that part of the reason that he didn’t stock the STRONG Carmel gherkins, was that they no longer existed.

I didn’t believe a word he was saying and must now apologise as I have noticed that they cannot be found ANYWHERE! I even tried out that big Pick ‘n Pay at the Waterfront..

Nothing.

I have a number of “spotters” out there who keep abreast of stockists of much loved but hard to find goods, including Daim (or ‘Dime’) chocalates. Fans will be pleased to know that just last week, Hanneli sms’d me, confirming they are now to be found at Andiamo’s in the Cape Quarter. Off you go then.

Back to Carmel gherkins..

Carmel gherkins, now only in mild (it seems)

Seriously guys, why in God’s name have they been discontinued? The mild ones don’t even come CLOSE to the sensation one experiences when gently, slowly crunching through the fat end of one of the bigger gherkins (there were at least six massive ones in each bottle when I was a kid – no longer it seems). I cannot comprehend why you wouldn’t want a stronger version of the most satisfying liquid that you use to preserve those puppies in. I mean, that’s why I love them, for that sauce. The stronger the better, surely?

Just like Judy’s pickled onions come in varying flavours, to suit different people, so should your gherkins.

If they only come in mild, why even mention it? Just call them dill cucumbers and be done with it.

Very naughty. You make daddy sad.