Can you instantly feel the burst of mouth-watering flavours when hearing about homemade pickles? ‘Ghar Ka Achaar’ has been a staple in every Indian household for generations, and this culinary delight is an ancestral heritage restoring the cultural flavours intact.
Today, we shall embark on a journey to learn how Indian pickles have stood the test of time and added a lot more value than just being edible condiments or a side dish!
When Did the Concept of Pickling Evolved?
Indian pickles are an irresistible fusion of tangy, salty, spicy, and sometimes sweet flavours, binding tradition and history in one fabric. Have you ever wondered how pickles stay fresh for years without any preservatives or refrigeration? The answer takes you to its roots.
The art of pickling dates back to 2500 BCE, during the time of the Harappan civilization. At that time, there were no sources of food preservation, and harsh weather also posed food scarcity. It was then that people learned and mastered the art of preparing a delectable delicacy prepared from natural preservatives like sunlight, oil, and salt.
Vegetables and fruits were available only for a specific season, so it was mandatory to store them for a long time as a matter of survival. This was the glorious beginning of India’s favourite culinary tradition, ‘Homemade Pickles,’ which underwent the transition from the necessity to the food legacy enjoyed to this day!
Pickling: A Magical Fusion of Flavors and Spices
Do you know the main reason behind the fad for Indian pickles? It’s the exotic amalgamation of aromatic and healthful spices that curbs all your taste cravings in one go. When spices are nurtured with recipes into the art of pickling, the final result is impeccable. Many of these spices also contain certain microbial properties, which ensure food protection from spoilage.
A blend of tasty spices such as cumin, turmeric, mustard seeds, and fenugreek, when mixed with oil and salt, turns into an incredible match of preservatives. It can restore the taste of chillies or mangoes for a year or even more. It prevents the growth of mould or any harmful bacteria in the pickles, making it a refreshing food addition during festivities or celebrations.
Role of Ayurveda in Pickling: A Healthy Delight
Apart from being tasty condiments, pickles also play an important role in food preservation and meal enhancement. Ayurveda lists many potential benefits of consuming Homemade pickles, such as boosting the digestive system.
Intake of sour or fermented food is known to activate the digestive ‘Agni’, which balances the body doshas, including Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Common ingredients used in pickles, such as mango, lime, and ginger, are also known for their exemplary health benefits, such as better digestion and relief from nausea.
From a health perspective, Indian pickles create a perfect harmony of health and taste when prepared with the proper techniques and quality spices!
Pickles for Regional Appetite: Must-Have in Every Home
India is known for its cultural and food diversity in various states and regions. The same variation is also evident in the type of pickle preparations and flavours you can cherish at these places. Every part of the country has a distinct pickle palate to satiate their taste buds, as stated below:
- North India: Gaining popularity for its lemon and mango pickle combinations, the sizzling spice and vibrant red hue of pickles make them a staple in this region. The flavours of mustard oil and a prominent tangy and spicy twist make them a perfect culinary delight.
- South India: People crave the fiery, tongue-burning pickles from the regions of Andhra Pradesh known as Avakaya and Gongura. The primary ingredients of their recipes are red chillies, tamarind, and curry leaves.
- Western India: Pickles from Rajasthan and Gujarat, like ‘Chhoonda’ or ‘Mirchi ka Achar,’ include a dash of dried spices and jaggery, making them more scrumptious. The phenomenal balance of tangy and sweet flavour creates a desire for them.
- Eastern India: Mustard oil and mustard paste are integral parts of pickles from Bengal and surrounding regions, giving them a pungent taste and an obvious tangy touch.
Tasting and cherishing pickles from unique parts of India is like taking a food tour of the entire subcontinent. Indeed, Pickles transcend regional boundaries and make a place in everyone’s home and heart due to their delightful taste!
Why are Pickles So Special for Every Indian?
– Culinary Heritage
Homemade pickle recipes are a legacy passed on to generations and embraced with utmost love to keep it going. The timeless recipes are always preferred by every family, with variations in flavours, spices, and secret ingredients, making them more exclusive. It is like culinary nostalgia, including the meticulous blend of ingredients and taste of those expert hands.
– Explosion of Flavors
A small bite of ‘Aloo Parantha’ with ‘Aam ka Achaar’ fuels a dramatic flavour burst in your mouth, making it taste irresistible. The fiery taste of spices, the flavours of vegetables or fruits and the aroma of different food oils activate your senses immediately. The best part of pickling is that its mixture enhances its taste and aroma with maturity and delights you over time.
– Complements Every Dish
When you think of having homemade pickles, any Indian preparations sync well with it. India treasures an expansive meal menu, and pickles blend perfectly with everything, from dal-chawal to flatbreads to Parantha and even a few Pakodas. It can also be used as a flavouring agent for stir-fries, curries, and marinades. One can’t imagine completing a traditional ‘Indian Thali’ without ‘Achaar’ in it.
– Bonding Cultures and Traditions
We openly appreciate traditional pickle recipes from different parts of India and embrace diverse preparation styles. Serving pickles to guests is a personalized gesture depicting your warmth and hospitality towards them. The essence of culture and the presence of pickles are prominent in Indian festivals.
– Gift of Health
Gifting a set of homemade pickles on occasions like Deepawali, Holi, or any other festival to your office colleagues, friends, or family members displays your love for Indian tradition. Indian pickles are enriched with probiotics, which support gut health. They are packed with several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which further boost their nutritional value and make the meals wholesome.
Tips to Preserve Pickles for a Longer Time
Pickling involves a mix of tempered spices, dried fruits and mustard oil, making it last longer than its raw version. Here’s how to store them safely for enjoy for months to come:
- Jar: Pickles stored in jars made from ceramic or glass last longer and retain their natural flavours intact. Choosing the suitable pickle jar with a wide mouth can ensure no spoilage of your delicacy and keep it intact for a long while. Before filling the pickles into the jar, ensure that they’re completely dried, as even a drop of water on the surface can spoil the recipe.
- Non-Metallic Lid: Metal lids might erode or rust, hampering the longevity of the pickles. Ceramic lids are the best to prevent contamination of pickles and keep their quality intact.
- Fill to Brim: Any place left while filling the pickles in the jar leaves a vacuum that can contact moisture or oxygen. This might spoil the taste of your pickle, and it’s possible to preserve its flavours by keeping no gaps until the lid.
- Store in a Cool Place: Dedicate a cool place in your Kitchen pantry for the jars of homemade pickles to avoid potential contamination risks. This will also help prevent pickle spoilage due to heat or external moisture.
- Wooden Spoon: A clean and dry wooden spoon is best for removing pickles to avoid affecting their flavour and quality.
Final Thoughts
Pickles are much more than just condiments. They display the richness of Indian culture and bind ancient culinary techniques with modern delicacies. Whether you have purchased homemade mango or chilly pickles, storing and preserving them is important to safeguard their real essence in every bite.
There’s no second thought that Indian Pickles are an irreplaceable side dish in the Indian culinary palate, and its tasteful flavours tingle our taste buds every time. So, get your pack of premium-quality homemade pickles to serve love and richness of flavours this festive season.
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