Let’s all agree – Pickles are great! Especially non-veg pickles? Yummy!
The impeccable flavor, the thick and rich gravy, the tart taste, the spicy heat mixed with a lasting childhood memory, you just simply cannot finish a meal without a pickle.
You would be surprised to know that pickles are made in many parts of India during one season and utilized for one whole year till the next batch of pickle is made in the same season. Almost every state in India has its own traditional recipe for non-veg pickles, passed down from mother to daughter. High-quality ingredients, well-roasted spices, oil, and loads of love is what it takes to make an awesome jar of pickle. For them to last a whole year or more, there are a few do’s and don’ts to keep your pickles fresh and flavorful for a long, long time.
Read to find out how you can preserve your jar of love for several years.
Don’ts
Storing in plastic containers. Although airtight, plastic contains particles that react with the acidic contents in your pickles. Eventually, your pickle may get contaminated with the particles from plastic.
Storing in metal containers. Similar to plastic containers, pickles can also react with metals (even stainless steel). Pickles are highly acidic in nature and they are known to oxidize with metals over prolonged exposure. Although it is fine to keep pickles in stainless steel containers for a very short amount of time, it is advised not to store pickles in metallic containers for a longer period of time. You definitely don’t want oxidants in your pickle, even by accident!
Storing in light. The countertops or shelves in our kitchens can be overly-lit sometimes. Storing pickles in these areas might gradually result in a degradation of the ingredients. Make sure to store your pickles in darker areas to ensure good quality.
Do’s
Store in glass containers. Glass is the most inert material when it comes to a reaction. This is also the reason glass is used in all chemical experiments. The most ideal way to store your pickles is by using a glass container. This will ensure that there is no chemical reaction between the container or pickle whatsoever. Make sure the container is airtight and completely dry. You can also use ceramic containers.
Use good quality ingredients. Oil, salt, ginger/garlic, etc. are some of the ingredients in pickles that provide natural preservation. It is important to make sure that good quality ingredients are being used to ensure prolonged freshness and quality.
Choose the right area. Your pickles are best kept in a dark and cool place. Too much light, heat, and humidity can easily contaminate your pickles over time. A dark shelf, cupboard, or the corner of your counter-top are some of the best places to store your pickles.
Although pickles have natural preservatives, it is important to make sure to follow these basic precautions to keep your pickles rich and flavorful for several years. A little love can go a long way in the preservation of these pickles.
DesiAuthentic sells pickles made from extremely high-quality ingredients that are sure to last you a very long time when stored right. Find our range of non-veg pickles here: https://www.desiauthentic.com/collections/non-veg-pickles