Do you love pickles? Who doesn’t, right? But do you know how to store pickles properly? Storing pickles is not just a matter of tossing them in the fridge. Proper pickle storage is crucial to maintain their flavour, texture, and quality. Improperly stored pickles can become mushy or lose their crispness over time.
So, if you want to enjoy your pickles to the fullest, you must learn how to store pickles correctly. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of proper pickle storage and some tips on how to store pickles correctly.
How to Store Pickles at Home?
Here are some tips for storing pickles at home:
- Use airtight containers: Indian pickles are best stored in airtight containers that keep them fresh for a longer time. Airtight containers such as glass jars create a barrier that prevents air and moisture from entering the container, reducing the risk of oxidation and preserving the quality of the pickles.
- Keep the jars away from sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can cause the pickles to spoil faster and lose their texture and flavour. Therefore, storing the pickle jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight is essential.
- Keep the Pickles Submerged: It’s important to ensure they are completely submerged in the pickling solution to prevent them from becoming dry and tough. If needed, add more pickling solution or oil to cover the pickles.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Jars: When storing pickles, ensure that you don’t overcrowd them, which can cause the pickles to become mushy and lose their texture. Leave some space between the pickles and the lid to allow for the expansion and contraction of the pickling solution.
- Sterilise the Jars: Before storing pickles, ensure that the jars are sterilised to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. You can do this by washing them with hot soapy water and then boiling them for 10 minutes. Once the jars are completely dry, you can filling them with your pickles.
- Label and date the containers: It is important to label and date the containers when storing pickles. This will help you keep track of the age of the pickles and ensure that you consume them before they spoil.
- Don’t Use Metal Lids and Spoons: Avoid using metal lids and spoons for pickles storage, as the acid in the pickling solution can react with the metal and alter the flavour of the pickles. Use a fresh and dry spoon each time you serve from the bottle.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of Indian pickles or any other type of pickles, following the tips mentioned in this article can help you store your pickles correctly. By using airtight containers, keeping the jars away from sunlight, keeping the pickles submerged, not overcrowding the jars, sterilising the jars, and avoiding using metal lids and spoons, you can enjoy your pickles to the fullest. So, the next time you stock up on FarmDidi’s pickles, remember these simple yet effective tips to keep them fresh and flavourful for as long as possible.
FAQs
- How Long Do Pickles Last?
The shelf life of pickles depends on the type of pickles and the method of preservation used. Generally, homemade pickles stored in a cool and dry place can last up to a year, while commercially made pickles can last up to two years.
- How Long Do Frozen Pickles Last?
Frozen pickles can last up to eight months in the freezer if stored properly. However, the texture and flavour of the pickles may change after thawing, making them less desirable to consume. Therefore, consuming frozen pickles within two months after freezing is recommended.
