Why is Mustard Oil a Must for Pickles?
Every Indian home witnesses a mother or grandmother preparing pickles. This tradition has held families together for generations as the delicious aroma of mustard oil rising from a jar of homemade pickles dissolves in the air. Pickles, known as “achar” in India, aren’t just another dish. They are memories bottled in oil, the very essence of home and love preserved for every season.
The Friendship of Mustard Oil and Pickles
When talking about pickles, mustard oil is a must. It is a cornerstone in the kitchen, not only for cooking but especially for the sacred art of pickling. The pungent and strong flavor of mustard oil gives anything a unique taste. It also ensures that these precious jars of goodness stay fresh and flavorful for months, sometimes even years, without losing their taste.
Let us understand what makes this friendship so unique.
Mustard oil is not just any other oil. It has properties that help preserve the pickles for years. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help pickles stay fresh and last longer. The oil acts as a barrier, preventing moisture and air from spoiling the fruits or vegetables inside the jar. Hence, it ensures that each pickle bite remains as flavorful as the day it was made.
Blending Mustard Oil with Pickles
India is home to an incredible variety of pickles. Each region has its unique flavors and techniques. Rajasthan excels at making fiery red chili pickles, while Gujrat is known for its tangy mango pickles. Brinjal pickles from Goa too can vivify anyone’s tastebuds. But there’s one thing that ties all these pickles together, and that is mustard oil. Mustard oil is the key ingredient in Indian pickles.
Let’s take an example of everyone’s favorite mango pickle, commonly called the “Aam ka Achaar.” Green mangoes, spices, and mustard oil come together in this pickle to create an explosion of taste. The sour mangoes go well when coupled with sapid spices; the taste becomes incredible. It is the mustard oil that binds these flavors together.
What Ayurveda Says About Mustard Oil
According to Ayurveda, mustard oil has several properties that help stimulate digestion, detoxify the body, and improve blood circulation. The good thing about mustard oil is that its properties are beneficial not only, for cooking but also, for preservation like that in pickles.
Pickles made with mustard oil have several health benefits. The spices used in pickles mostly include turmeric, fenugreek, and mustard seeds, all known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These spices help with a lot of health-related issues such as weak digestion, bloating, and weak immunity. You can see a positive change in your body regularly using these spices in adequate amounts.
Discover the Taste of Home-made Pickles with Aangana Pickle
Aangana pickles are made with a commitment to quality and health. Every jar of Aangana pickles brings you closer to your home. Whether it’s the Nimbu Sweet Sour Pickle or the Lal Mirchi (Bhara) Pickle, our every variety is filled with a savory taste.
In today’s fast-paced world, where we do not have time to make pickles, Aangana is working tirelessly to preserve this tradition. Our pickles are made with hands with the same love and care that our mothers and grandmothers have shown for generations. Our products, made with the finest cold-pressed mustard oil and natural ingredients, take you down memory lane to those childhood days when pickle jars lined the shelves of your home.
So what are you waiting for? Order your ghar ka achar from Aangana and make all your meals extra delicious!
Try Pickling by Reading
Navigate your pickling journey by reading sweet and sour stories from Aangana:
- Spice Up Your Meals with Aangana’s Red Chili Pickle
- A Complete Guide to Mango Oil Pickle
- Enjoy the Sweet and Sour Taste of Lemon Pickle
- How to Make Authentic Pachranga Mix Pickle
- Traditional Taste with Ramkela Mango Pickle
FAQs
What are the benefits of mustard oil pickles?
Mustard oil pickles aid digestion and improve gut health. They are rich in antioxidants due to the spices used. They also have heart-healthy fats, which makes them a healthy dietary option.
What is the role of oil in pickles?
As the ingredients used in pickles are mostly vegetables, it is important to preserve them. The most important role of oil in pickles is to preserve the ingredients. It protects them from air and moisture.
Why is mustard oil used in pickles?
Mustard oil is used in pickles for its flavor-enhancing properties and natural preservation qualities. So it has dual benefits. First, it helps enhance the pickle’s taste, and second, it keeps the pickle fresh longer.
What is the purpose of mustard oil?
The purpose of mustard oil in pickles is to preserve the ingredients, enhance the flavor, and provide health benefits as it has antibacterial properties.
Why is mustard oil added to pickles?
Mustard oil is added to pickles to help pickles stay fresh and last longer while giving them a distinct, pungent flavor that complements the spices and vegetables.
