Pickles commonly known as “achaar” in India are vegetables stored in oil or vinegar. No Indian meal is complete without little pickle on the side. A well made achaar turns a boring meal into a treat and adds the much needed spice to enhance the flavors of a simple home cooked meal.
Pickles need love and care just like a child! Taking the following steps will ensure that your pickle stays healthy and lives a long life :-
- Sun-dry the vegetables thoroughly before adding spices to them . It is essential to dry the water contained in the fruits or vegetables which you intend to pickle.
- Before grinding your spices, roast them to enhance the flavour and remove moisture.
- Any amount of moisture can spoil a pickle and lead to the development of fungus. Make sure to wipe your spoon properly before dipping it in your pickle jar.
- Due to the same reason cited above, a pickle should be stored in a cool and dry place without any moisture.
- Shake your pickle jar from time to time to ensure that it is always covered with a layer of oil. Oil acts as a natural preservative and prevents the pickle from going dry from the top.
Taking the above steps will ensure that your pickle tastes fresh and has a good shelf life.
If you are looking to order homemade, handmade pickles which taste just like the ones your dadi and nani used to make, do check out www.thepickleco.in . We have some unique flavours like Kachaalu Baingan, Pickled Pyaaz, Dried Plum Chutney and deliver all over India.