Pickles have been a part of most cuisines across the globe and have been preserved to eat throughout the year. The thought behind pickling was to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables, preferably throughout the year so that people can enjoy them.
India has a long, rich history in pickles. Referred to as Achar, the country’s most-loved variety from BCE 2030 was first pickled. This blog will highlight the history of Indian pickles, also known as Achar, its most-loved variety, and its preferred accompaniments.
The Indian diet includes a wide variety of delicious dishes, but one of them is dear to many, the traditional pickles. The most popular pickles varieties are aam ka achar and sookhe achar. This first type often features mangoes in brine while the whole Indian summer goes by as we spend time with our grandma making various achars, searching for the right mix of onion and garlic, and decide how sweet they should be; while our hands get pickler, feeling both the heat and the spices.
Keeping the sentiment, or emotion, that pickles represent to all Indians in mind, we are sharing facts about achar from this blog for all the achar lovers out there.
Our guide to Indian Aachar flavors
Pickles first gained popularity over a thousand years ago, with the longest-running pickle-making company dating back more than 320 years. The tradition has since spread from Persia throughout Europe and North America, as pickles have come to represent different parts of history and world cultures.
Pickles have been around for many years dating back to BCE 2030. Some studies suggest that the preparation of pickles dates back to the Tigris River valleys in 2030 BCE.
It is said that Indian scriptures mention the presence of pickles in India around the 17th century. As pickles have a longer shelf life, they were generally used by traders, soldiers, and travelers as a curry substitute during long journeys.
Indian Speciality Pickles
Regional variations change the recipe and ingredients of Eastern Indian condiments, including achar.
Although summer also has plenty of distractions, pickles are a cool and crunchy healthy snack. Luckily most basics such as lime, raw mango, gooseberries, chilies, and more are available this time of year- providing you with tasty ways to beat the heat.
Root vegetables can be pickled in a tasty way. According to various food blogs, onions, carrots, beetroots, turnips, radishes, garlic, and ginger can also be turned into great-tasting pickles.
A few must-try traditional Indian Pickles
- Mango Pickle (Aam ka aachar)
- Gooseberries Pickle (Amla Ka Aachar)
- Carrot Pickle
- Aam ka sukha aachar (Dried Mango Pickle)
- Andhra Style Avakaya Pichadi
- Dried Red Chili Pickle (Lal Mircha Ka Aachar)
- Gor Keri
- Keri Ka Chunda
- Keri Ka Laccha Aachar
- Nimbu Ka Chatpata Aachar
Health benefits of our very own Indian Aachar
- Improves gut health with probiotics.
- Antioxidants help to improve brain functioning
- Pickles are a great immune system booster
- Achar help to increase the red blood cells in our blood.
- Pickles help Improve digestion by relieving the body of salivation during meals
Various Meals & Pickles Combinations
Flavorful Meal with Daal, Rice, and Mango Pickle
This delicious Indian combo will relieve you after a long and tiring day. It’s a perfect homely and comfortable food.
Bhakari or Theplas with green chili pickle
This combination is a perfect breakfast meal for a hungry tummy.
Any Vegetable Paratha with Carrot Pickle
Create a great meal combo by pairing the green or red chili achar with Aloo Paratha or any other vegetable parathas. It’s a must-try combo that is famous all over India.
Interested in the pickles and all their juicy facts? Get your stomach what it desires. Order some of your favorite traditional Indian carrot and chili pickles or green chili pickles online on www.hiddenflavours.in
-Rachna Lakhpati