As summer season is approaching, our mothers and grandmothers keep themselves busy with the arduous process of making delicious pickles. Being the season of raw and tangy fruits, especially mangoes, how is it possible to miss out on homemade mango pickles?
Table of Contents
While you are being brought up in an Indian household, it is common to witness the amazing process of preparing pickles from scratch. What is the fondest memory from your childhood?
Yes, it is none other than relishing the tangy sliced mango pickle after returning from school. Have you ever wondered about the do’s and don’ts followed for mango pickle storage? No problem!
It is time to explore some amazing hacks for storing your exclusively prepared mango pickles so that you can enjoy their delighting taste for a long time.
Is Pickle Storage Artistic or Scientific?
The term “pickle” originated from the Dutch word “peel,” which denotes nothing other than brine. Brine is a well-known elemental part of pickling. Irrespective of where pickles originated, the affection for it still exists.
It is true that crafting achars is a mixture of Art and Science, where Art implies presentation and Science implies quantity of ingredients. The same applies to pickle storage and preservation.
Once you’ve finished the preparation, it’s time to master some exclusive techniques for safely storing your delectable mango pickles. From selecting the perfect pickle storage jars to calculating the ideal duration for sunlight exposure, there are many factors to consider.
Did you notice that even after mixing all the ingredients in good quantity and exposing them to sun, your neighbor’s pickles were destroyed? Yes, it is because they failed to select the right type of container.
Many people take this matter too lightly and suffer big losses. Finally, they have no other option except waiting for another twelve months to enjoy the taste of mango pickles. To avoid such an unwanted outcome, it is time to delve into some tips regarding the selection of suitable containers for efficient mango pickle storage.
Are Plastic Containers Good for Mango Pickle Storage?
Some people make the mistake of selecting the right type of container for storing mango pickles, going with plastic jars. If you are also making the same mistake, think twice.
As you know, pickles, whether made of mango or any other raw fruit, contain acetic acid. If they are stored in metallic jars like iron, this may result in the formation of hydrogen gas and metal salt.
The moment they start getting mixed with the pickle, slowly, it becomes unfit to consume. There will be no other option except wasting it in the dustbin. For a safer and unfavorable outcome, it will be good to go with a glass jar for pickle storage.
Now, before finalizing, you must make sure that the glass jar selected is airtight. Wondering why you should store pickles in an airtight container? Simple! It will prevent the seeping of dust and moisture inside the jar.
Otherwise, it will not take much time to ruin the delectable taste of the pickle. The more exposure to dust, the higher the rate of germ breeding. Also, it will result in disrupting the entire taste.
That is why it has been a tradition to store pickles, whether sweet or spicy, in glass or clay containers.
What Makes Clay Containers Suitable for Storing Pickles?
Did you notice that your grandmother used to store her pickles in ceramic jars? These jars, also known as pingani jaadis, are made of high-quality porcelain. They are available in beautiful white and brown combinations.
High-quality pickle storage ceramic jars not only grace the kitchen but are also exclusively suitable for keeping pickles fresh for a long time. Using the right type of vessels will benefit your health to the maximum.
Additional Tips on How to Store Mango Pickles for a Long Time
After finalizing the right type of containers for storing your delectable mango pickles, it is time to examine some additional tips for pickle storage. Taking these into consideration will allow for the long-term preservation of your achaar.
If you start peeping into the methodologies used since your grand elders’ time, then there will be something uncountable. Still, you may start following some basic rules to keep your pickles in a fresh state for a long. They are:
- Cleaning the utensils and jars properly—Before you start preparing your dream mango pickle, it is good to clean the utensils properly. The same is applicable to jars.
Washing properly will help in the easy removal of almost all moisture, thus preventing the development of fungus.
- Avoid using ripe mangoes—Choosing the right type of mango pickle storage containers will help, but the type of mangoes selected also matters. For a delicious, sour, and hard piece, it will be good to go with raw mangoes.
Choosing ripe mangoes may turn your pickle mushy, finally getting spoilt soon. Raw mangoes are easy to slice too.
- Making use of branded spices – Branded spices also play a very important role in ensuring proper mango pickle storage. Essential elements include turmeric powder, mustard seeds, red chili powder, and fenugreek seeds.
Mixing these spices in the proper quantity will help enhance the overall flavor of your pickle. Also, they will let in, making the color of the pickle great.
- Proper use of oil and salt—Pickle preparation requires quality spices, along with oil and salt. However, these components are also helpful in efficient mango pickle storage.
It is good not to skip these components at any cost. As the spices blend well, the taste of your pickle will double.
- Preventing pickles from exposure to excess heat—Pickles must be exposed to heat to help in proper fermentation. However, exposure to too much sun may result in the spoiling of pickles.
For a better outcome, keeping the pickle outside under mild sunlight will be good. Afterward, keeping it in a dry and cold area will be better.
These are some tips for pickle storage that you must follow to ensure that your pickles remain fresh for a long time. Regarding containers, they may be either made of glass or ceramic.
FAQs
Q.1. Why is it good to avoid aluminum utensils for storing pickles?
Ans. Aluminum, being a metal, may react with the pickle and produce hydrogen, which may lead to the entire recipe’s early spoiling.
Q.2. Which oil is best for preparing mango pickles?
Ans. Oil selection is very important when it comes to pickle preparation. For a better outcome, it will be wise to use mustard oil. Along with enhancing the taste of your pickles, it will also allow for easy preservation.
Q.3. What is the expiry time of mango pickles?
Ans. Mango pickles made using branded spices and oils have a longer shelf life than others. Still, if you are done with the preparation, you should try to finish it within a year to prevent wastage.