DIY Pickling: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approaches to Achaar Making

Food waste leads to a surge in greenhouse gases, contributing to major climatic change. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce food wastage. Sustainable DIY pickling can reduce waste by selecting ingredients carefully, using smart resources, and reducing wastage. This approach benefits the environment, and strengthens communities, encouraging people to care for the environment.

Achaar, or Indian pickle, is a staple in many Indian households. It is a delicious and flavorful condiment that can be used to add zing to any meal. Achaar is also a great way to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables.

There are many different types of achaar, but they all have one thing in common: they are made by pickling fruits or vegetables in a brine or oil. Pickling is a great way to preserve food and make it last longer. It is also a sustainable and eco-friendly way to relish your favorite vegetable and fruits.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly DIY Pickling

There are many ways to make achaar more sustainable and eco-friendlier. Here are a few tips:

• Use seasonal fruits and vegetables: This will help to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Grow your own fruits and vegetables: This is the most sustainable way to get the ingredients you need for achaar.
• Use organic fruits and vegetables: This will help to reduce the amount of pesticides and other chemicals in your food.
• Use natural preservatives: Instead of using artificial preservatives, use natural ones such as salt, sugar, or vinegar.
• Reuse jars: Don’t throw away your old jars. Reuse them to store your achaar.
• Make your own brine: Instead of using store-bought brine, make your own using water, salt, and spices.
• Avoid using plastic: Use glass or ceramic jars to store your achaar.

DIY Pickling Recipes

There are many different recipes for achaar. Here are a few of our favorites:

DIY Sustainable Mango pickle: This is a classic Indian pickle that is made with mangoes, mustard oil, and spices.

Ingredients:

• Ripe mangoes (preferably organic or locally sourced)
• Salt
• Mustard oil
• Turmeric powder
• Red chili powder
• Cumin seeds
• Fenugreek seeds
• Curry leaves

Equipment:

• Sterilized glass jars
• A large bowl
• A knife

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mangoes: Wash the mangoes thoroughly and remove the skin. Cut them into small pieces.
2. Make the brine: In a large bowl, combine salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and curry leaves. Add enough water to cover the mangoes. Stir well to dissolve the salt and spices.
3. Pickle the mangoes: Place the mango pieces in the brine and stir to coat them evenly. Let the mangoes soak in the brine for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible.
4. Sterilize the jars: Wash the glass jars with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Fill the jars with boiling water and let them sit for 5 minutes. Pour out the hot water and dry the jars completely.
5. Pack the pickle: Pack the mango pieces and the brine into the sterilized jars. Make sure to leave some space at the top.
6. Add mustard oil: Pour mustard oil on top of the pickle to create a protective layer. This will help to prevent mold growth.
7. Seal the jars: Seal the jars tightly with airtight lids.
8. Store the pickle: Store the pickle in a cool, dark place for at least a month before consuming. The flavor will develop over time.

Tips for Sustainable Mango DIY Pickling:

• Use organic or locally sourced mangoes: This supports sustainable farming practices and reduces your carbon footprint.
• Reuse jars: Instead of buying new jars, reuse old ones that you have cleaned and sterilized.
• Make your own mustard oil: Mustard oil is a traditional ingredient in Indian pickles. You can make your own mustard oil at home using mustard seeds and water.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder pickle, reduce the amount of chili powder.
• Experiment with other ingredients: You can add other spices, such as cloves, cardamom, or cinnamon, to your pickle for added flavor.
• Store the pickle in a cool, dark place: This will help to prevent spoilage and maintain the flavor of the pickle.

By following these steps, you can make delicious and sustainable mango pickle at home. Enjoy this traditional Indian condiment with your favorite dishes!

Sustainable DIY Lime pickle: This is a tangy pickle that is made with limes, salt, and chili peppers.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 ripe limes (organic if possible)
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 cup oil (mustard oil or olive oil)

Equipment:

• A sterilized glass jar
• A mortar and pestle

Instructions:

1. Prepare the limes: Wash the limes thoroughly and pat them dry.
2. Cut the limes: Cut the limes in half and squeeze out the juice. Reserve the juice for later use.
3. Make the spice paste: In a mortar and pestle, grind together the salt, red chili powder, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and turmeric powder until a fine paste forms.
4. Combine the ingredients: In the sterilized glass jar, combine the lime juice, lime peels, and spice paste. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
5. Add the oil: Pour the oil on top of the mixture. This will help to preserve the pickle.
6. Seal the jar: Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
7. Let it sit: Let the pickle sit for at least 2-3 weeks before consuming. The flavors will develop over time.

Tips for Sustainable Lime DIY Pickling:

• Use organic limes: This supports sustainable farming practices and reduces the use of harmful chemicals.
• Reuse jars: Instead of buying new jars, reuse old ones that you have cleaned and sterilized.
• Make your own spice paste: Grinding your own spices ensures freshness and allows you to control the flavor.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder pickle, reduce the amount of chili powder.
• Experiment with other ingredients: You can add other spices, such as cloves or cardamom, for added flavor.
• Store the pickle in a cool, dark place: This will help to prevent spoilage and maintain the flavor of the pickle.

Enjoy your homemade, sustainable lime pickle! It’s a delicious and versatile condiment that can be added to various dishes.

Tips for DIY Pickling:

Here are a few tips for making delicious achaar:

• Choose the right fruits and vegetables: Make sure to use fruits and vegetables that are in good condition.
• Prepare the fruits and vegetables properly: Cut them into small pieces and remove any seeds or stems.
• Sterilize your jars: This will help to prevent your achaar from spoiling.
• Add the right amount of spices: Too much or too little spice can ruin your achaar.
• Let your achaar ferment: This will help to develop the flavor.
• Store your achaar properly: Store your achaar in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Achaar is a delicious and flavorful condiment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. DIY pickling is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to preserve food. By following the tips in this blog post, you can make your own delicious and healthy achaar at home.