Quick answer

Choose Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup if you want a sweet, spicy kick for desserts or Asian dishes; pick Opies Pickled Walnuts for a tangy, crunchy companion to cheese and cold meats.

Sweet vs tangy: the flavor trade-off

Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup delivers a sweet, warming heat that pairs beautifully with fruit salads, ice cream, or even stir-fries. The sugar syrup preserves the ginger's tender bite, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes.

Opies Pickled Walnuts offer a completely different experience: tangy, slightly sweet from the malt vinegar, with a firm, crunchy texture. They are a traditional British addition to cheese boards, especially with sharp cheddar or Stilton, and also work well in meat or pasta dishes.

Texture and use cases

Stem ginger is soft and syrupy, ideal for chopping into desserts or spooning over pancakes. Pickled walnuts are firm and crunchy, holding their shape when sliced into salads or served alongside cold cuts.

Both products come from the UK and are everyday pantry staples, but their applications rarely overlap. The ginger excels in sweet contexts, while the walnuts shine in savory, tangy pairings.

How to choose between them

  • Sweetness level: Stem ginger is sweet and spicy; pickled walnuts are tangy and slightly sweet.
  • Texture: Stem ginger is soft and syrupy; pickled walnuts are firm and crunchy. Choose ginger if you want a tender bite, walnuts if you want crunch.
  • Best dish pairing: Ginger works with desserts, fruit salads, and Asian cuisine; walnuts pair with cheese boards, cold meats, and game dishes. Match the jar to your upcoming recipe, not the other way around.

Product facts at a glance

  • Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup - 9.87oz (280g): Opies Stem Ginger is made from young stem ginger preserved in sugar syrup. The syrup keeps the ginger tender and sweet, perfect for desserts or adding a spicy-sweet note to salads and Asian dishes.

    Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup - 9.87oz (280g)

    Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup - 9.87oz (280g)

  • Opies Pickled Walnuts - 13.75oz (390g): Opies Pickled Walnuts are preserved in distilled barley malt vinegar with sugar and salt. The malt vinegar gives them a tangy, savory flavor that complements cheeses, cold meats, and game dishes.

    Opies Pickled Walnuts - 13.75oz (390g)

    Opies Pickled Walnuts - 13.75oz (390g)

Which one fits you?

Best for

  • Baking or dessert lovers who want a sweet, spicy ingredient
  • Asian cuisine enthusiasts looking for an authentic stem ginger addition

Not for

  • Anyone seeking a savory, tangy cheese board accompaniment (choose pickled walnuts instead)
  • Those who prefer a crunchy texture in their pantry items (opt for pickled walnuts)