Pickles, or achars, have been an important part of Indian kitchens for generations. From the sharp tang of a homemade Indian pickle to the rich flavors of a traditional Indian pickle passed down through families, every bite holds a memory.
In this ultimate guide, you will discover everything about Indian pickles — types, preparation tips, and some of the best achar recipes you must try.
Whether you are making your first batch or looking for easy achar recipes, this guide is for you.
What is Achar (Indian Pickle)?
Indian pickles, called achars, are made by preserving fruits and vegetables with a mix of spices, oil, and sometimes vinegar.
But achars are not just about preservation — they are about bold, exciting flavors that make every meal special.
Every region of India has its own styles and ingredients, making homemade Indian pickles rich and diverse.
Why Indian Pickles are Special?
Seasonal Flavors: Pickles are often made during summer when raw mangoes and lemons are easily available.
Bold Taste: A perfect balance of spicy, tangy, salty, and sometimes sweet flavors.
Family Traditions: Every home has its own secret spice blends.
Health Benefits: Spices like mustard seeds, ajwain, turmeric, and hing help in digestion.
Homemade Indian pickles are more than food — they are a tradition carried forward with love.
Different Types of Indian Pickles:
Indian pickles are incredibly diverse, and depending on the preparation method and ingredients, they fall into different categories.
Here’s a look at some of the main types:
| Type of Pickle | Examples | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Fruit Pickles | Mango Pickle, Amla Pickle | Made with raw fruits and spices. Tangy and spicy. |
| Vegetable Pickles | Carrot Pickle, Green Chilli Pickle, Lemon Pickle | Fresh vegetables preserved with spices and oil. |
| Instant Pickles | Instant Mango Pickle, Instant Ginger Chilli Pickle | Quick recipes, ready in 1–3 days. |
| Sun-Dried Pickles | Traditional Sun-Dried Mango Pickle | Naturally dried in sunlight for preservation. |
| Oil-Based Pickles | Stuffed Red Chilli Pickle, Stuffed Green Chilli Pickle | Flavored deeply with mustard or sesame oil. |
| Sweet Pickles | Mango Chunda, Amla Murabba | A mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. |
Understanding these types will help you pick the right achar recipes for every season and perfect achar recipes for your taste as well.
Tips for Making Perfect Pickles:
Making a traditional Indian pickle at home is simple with these easy tips:
- Always use clean and dry jars and utensils.
- Choose fresh, firm fruits and vegetables.
- If drying ingredients, make sure they are moisture-free.
- Use good quality mustard oil or sesame oil.
- Always use a dry spoon when serving pickles.
- Top the pickle with a layer of oil for better shelf life.
By following these easy tips, your homemade Indian pickles will stay fresh and flavorful for months.
Storage Tips for Homemade Indian Pickles:
Proper storage is key to keeping your pickles fresh, safe, and flavorful for months. Here are a few important tips you should always follow:
Use a clean, dry glass or ceramic jar for storing pickles. Avoid plastic or metal containers.
Make sure there is no moisture in the jar or in the ingredients before mixing.
Always use a dry spoon while serving to avoid spoilage or mold.
If you’re using mustard oil, make sure it fully covers the pickle from the top. This prevents air exposure and increases shelf life.
Store pickles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In humid weather, refrigeration is a safer option.
For instant pickles, keep them in the fridge and consume them within 1–2 months for best taste.
These storage practices ensure that your homemade achar stays flavorful, aromatic, and safe to eat for a long time.
Must-Try Achar Recipes from My Blog:
Want to know how to make achar at home? Here are some easy homemade Indian pickle recipes that you’ll absolutely love.
Aam ka Achaar Recipe
Mango Pickle Achar
Aam ka Kuchha
Kannimanga Achar Recipe
Kadumanga Achar – How to make Instant Mango Pickle
Check out this recipe
Green Chilli Pickle
Stuffed Green Chilli Pickle
Ginger Green Chilli Pickle
Instant Gajar Muli Mirch ka Achar – 15 Minutes Mixed Achar
Other Traditional Indian Preserves:
Pickles aren’t the only way we preserve the goodness of seasonal fruits!
In many Indian homes, sweet and tangy preserves like mango chunda, aam ki launji, and amla murabba are prepared with the same love and care.
While these recipes are sweeter than traditional achar, they carry the same spirit of celebrating fresh ingredients and storing flavors for months.
Here are some must-try homemade preserves you’ll enjoy:
These traditional sweet preserves taste amazing with parathas, pooris, rotis, or even as a healthy dessert topping!
Here are some traditional preserves you will enjoy:
Aam ki Launji – How to make Instant Gudamba Recipe
Aam ka Chunda
Aam ka Murabba
Amla Chunda
Recipe of Mango Jam
Chakka Varatti Recipe | How to Make Traditional Jackfruit Jam at Home
Indian pickles are more than just side dishes — they are a celebration of flavors, traditions, and memories passed down through generations.
With just a few basic ingredients and simple techniques, you can bring the taste of homemade Indian pickles to your kitchen.
Whether you love spicy mango pickles, tangy green chili achar, or sweet mango preserves, there’s a recipe here for every taste.
If you enjoyed this Indian Pickles Guide and want more such easy and traditional recipes,
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And if you try any recipe from this guide, I would love to hear your experience in the comments below!
Happy Pickling!
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