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While the monsoons are no doubt relief from Indian scorching summers, they bring misery regarding homemade pickles. High humidity and moisture levels easily spoil your favourite pickles, usually a staple in most Indian homes. A heap of fungus or that smell of fermentation is a very disappointing sight for those pickles made with love and care. Extra care and special care techniques are needed to keep pickles fresh and tempting throughout the monsoon. Here are some practical steps to help one in taking care of their pickles during this rainy season, maintaining the taste, and increasing its shelf life.
Proper Storage
The correct storing of pickles is very essential during the monsoon. The pickles should always be stored in airtight glass jars to avoid moisture. Metal containers react with the acidic content of pickles whereas plastic containers absorb smell and colour, hence affecting the quality of the pickle. Be sure the jars are dry before filling pickles. It is also advisable to store the jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Regular Inspection
During the monsoons, it is quintessential to have your jars of pickles inspected regularly. Observe any kind of mould, unusual smells, or colour changes. If you find any, remove the affected portion immediately to prevent the whole batch from getting spoilt. Regular inspection lets one catch the possible problems at an early stage of development of those problems and take necessary actions to preserve the rest of the pickles.
Use the Right Oil
The right type and amount of oil will help keep the pickles during the humid monsoon months. Highly recommended is mustard oil with its preservative properties and a flavour that goes well with Indian pickles. Then, let the pickles be fully submerged in the oil; this means creating a barrier against moisture and air in case the level goes low. Replenish with more oil.
Add Vinegar and Salt
Salt and vinegar are a natural preservative and part of the pickling process anyway. They ensure that bacteria and mould growths are limited. During the monsoons, you may want to add a little more salt or vinegar in your pickles to enhance their preservative properties. Do this judiciously as you don't want the flavour to change drastically.
Sun Drying
Although the monsoon season has overcast skies, there will be periodic sunshine. Avail of such periods to dry pickles in the sun. Keep the pickle jars in direct sunlight for a few hours to reduce moisture content and prevent the growth of bacteria that hurt the skin. This old way of recharging your pickles periodically works well during the rainy season.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Monsoon and pickles go really well together, but the basic hygiene to be maintained while handling pickles is very essential. It should always be served with a clean and dry spoon, never your hands. Keep your hands and body dry before touching pickles or the jars. A little drop of water or some dirt is enough to spoil the pickles, so cleanliness is key.
Repackaging
If you have taken all care and yet find moisture inside the jar, think of repackaging. Transfer the pickles to a dry, clean jar after ensuring that each equipment used is sterilized and dry. That way, any existing moisture could be eliminated and further spoilage avoided.
