What is achar, used in indian cooking?
Indian pickle From Wikipedia, Pickling in India is an ancient art and has been used to preserve food for thousands of years. Indian pickles are quite different from the European variety in that the pickling is done in oil rather than using vinegar. 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 oil. The choice of spices gives the Indian pickle its unique flavor. Most pickles are made in the summer and allowed to mature in the hot sun for at least three weeks before use. Pickles are generally stored in porcelain or glass jar with air-tight lids. The acidic nature of the marinade retards bacterial growth, while the oil acts as a preservative. Pickles can retain their freshness and flavor, so long as they do not come into contact with moisture. However, commercially made pickles use preservatives such as citric acid or sodium benzoate. Indian pickles com
