Achaar (pickles)

Pickles form an integral part of an Indian meal. Seasonal vegetables and fruits are cleaned and finely chopped; they are then mixed with a special blend of ground spices and marinated in oil.

The choice of spices gives the Indian pickle its unique flavor. Pickles are generally stored in ceramic or glass jar with air-tight lids. Pickles can retain their freshness and flavor, so long as they do not come into contact with moisture.

Indian pickles come in an amazing variety of flavors -- a mango pickle from South India tastes very differently from that made in North India.