How do you preserve pickles for a long time?

Pickles are a signature culinary side dish served to complement traditional foods in our culture, such as khichuri and polao. People make pickles with different fruits and vegetables throughout the year.

Jolpai (Olive), Mango, Boroi (Jujubee), Chalta, and Roshun are the common types of pickles eaten by the Bengali people.

But pickles can get spoiled easily if not taken proper care, and yeast and fungus can build up on the surface of the pickles. Let’s find out the ways of preserving pickles for a long time.

Layering with oil

Make sure to add a generous amount of oil on the top surface of the pickles. It will help prevent air from entering the container so bacteria or mould cannot enter it. You can use mustard oil, olive oil, or sesame oil; if you use less oil, you can always add more later and fill it to the brim.

Right container

Pickles will stay fresh in a small glass jar with a wide opening. It can help preserve it and keep the taste lasting long.

Store them in a small container for daily use and keep the remainder in a larger jar.

Repeatedly opening the jar can cause fungus to grow at the top surface. Avoid putting it in a metal or plastic container, as it can cause a chemical reaction with the spices and the acidity of the pickles, destroying the taste faster. taste faster

Use vinegar

If you want to use any preservative to store the pickles, then vinegar is a great option.

Pickles are made with a good amount of vinegar, so you can also use it afterwards to store the taste for a long time. Vinegar will lower the pH level, preventing bacteria or mould from growing inside.

Could you keep it in the sun?

Remember to occasionally put the pickles in the sun. Sunlight can destroy any bacterial buildup and prevent further bacterial growth.

Store it in a cool, dry area. The length of storage can determine whether pickles retain their original flavour for a long time.

If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them, as bacteria cannot grow in cool places, making it a better alternative.

Use wooden spoon

When you want to pick up the pickles, make sure you use a wooden spoon to scoop them out.

Try not to use metal spoons or use dry hands to pick them up. Ensure the spoon you are using is completely dry and free from any water. Any interaction with water or moisture can quickly spoil the taste of the pickles.

Monitoring

Pickles need to be monitored every few weeks or months to check their quality. Don’t just put it away somewhere after making it. Perform a routine check and add preservatives if necessary or if the fungus is visible on the surface.

Pickles are not just a condiment but an emotion and a source of nostalgia for the Bengali people. Every household has its pickle recipes, which are often passed down from our grandmothers or mothers.

To uphold the tradition, it is essential to store the pickles in the right place to enjoy the goodness and flavour in every bite. So that every bite can remind us of its taste, goodness, and culture, with proper care and storage, you can enjoy the tangy, spicy goodness for a long time in your dishes.

spurba2003@gmail.com