Along with curry pastes and other spicy ingredients, Indian pickles are one of the most distinctive and important items of Indian cuisine which have remained popular for hundreds of years. Indian pickles are varied in flavor, texture and ingredients and are exotic in taste. They are marinated relishes which help to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables at room temperature for an indefinite period of time. Pickles are mainly made with vegetables and fruits like mango, lime, and green chillies. Indian pickles are spicy and a delightful addition to Indian meals. They are good with rice, dosai and roti.
Usually made during the summer in India, the flavor and use of Indian pickles are determined by their preparation and the spices that goes into preparing them. The main difference between pickles that originate in the north and those that originate in the south of India is in the use of the pickling agent. North Indians normally use mustard oil as pickling agent, while south Indians use tamarind, lime or curd. In south India, they are stored in jars or Bharnis.
Indian Pickles are available in Indian markets in different flavors such as mango, ginger, lime, green and red chilli, and bitter gourd. Pickles catering to the diet conscious, the oil-free kind, full of vitamins and with mineral rich ingredients are also available in the market.
