International Burger Day may have passed, but one question refuses to disappear: should a proper burger come with gherkins?
My answer is yes. Obviously.
The fact that some people carefully remove them before taking the first bite remains one of life’s great mysteries. A burger without a gherkin is not exactly bad. It just feels unfinished.
It seems plenty of people in Spain agree. New figures from Just Eat show that 35% of Spaniards consider the humble gherkin (pepinillo) an essential burger ingredient. Personally, I would argue the other 65% simply have not realised what they are missing.
The company’s Gastrómetro report also shows that the beef burger remains Spain’s favourite takeaway for the third year in a row.
Perhaps that comes as no surprise. Burgers have become the ultimate comfort food, whether it is a Friday night treat, a family gathering or an evening when nobody feels like cooking.
Cheese is non-negotiable
People may disagree about gherkins, but they agree on plenty of other toppings.
Eight out of ten Spaniards say a burger is not complete without cheese. More than half also want bacon and a generous helping of sauce.
The smash burger has also transformed Spain’s burger scene over the past few years.
Chefs press the meat firmly onto a hot griddle to create crispy, caramelised edges while keeping the centre juicy. Smash burgers also travel well, which helps explain why they have become one of the country’s most popular home delivery meals.
Just Eat says people order burgers most often during major sporting events, especially UEFA Champions League finals. They also prove popular on Valentine’s Day, at family gatherings and during late-night box-set marathons.
Leave the gherkin alone
Food debates are part of the fun. Some people swear by pineapple on pizza. Others insist cream belongs on a scone before the jam. Every so often, someone even claims a burger does not need cheese.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
The humble gherkin, however, deserves far more respect than it gets.
Its sharpness cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. The crunch and acidity balance every bite. Taking it out before you’ve even tasted the burger feels a bit like ordering fish and chips without the chips.
You can do it.
It just does not seem quite right.
