The Art Of Pickling: A Look At Parsi Pickle Varieties

I bet you did know that the largest pickle jar measures 1.5 m in height (4 ft 11 in) and 1.1 m in diameter (3 ft 7 in), accomplished by the Municipality of Çubuk (Turkey) on 13 September 2018. This is as per The Guinness World Record. Pickling is a heritage art that has been preserving the goodness of fruits and vegetables. Pickles are those alluring tangy treats that add extra flour to any meal you are having. You can savour them with a burger or as a side dish or munch directly from the jar.
Pickles are mainly fruits or vegetables that are preserved in vinegar, salt water, or any other acidic liquid added with spices and flavouring. Pickles are characterized as sometimes tangy, spicy, and even sweet. Among all the pickles from around the globe, Parsi pickles have a special place because of their rich tradition and the way they blend different culinary influences. In this blog, we are going to learn about pickles and the different types of pickles prepared in the Parsi culture.

The Story of Our Antique Pickles

Pickles were first introduced by the historic civilization of Mesopotamia where people were served cucumbers preserved in saltwater or as they used to call it Brine. Thousands of years ago the main reason for pickling was to store food for a long duration of time before refrigerators were invented. Parsi pickles go way back to when the Zoroastrian community migrated from Persia and settled in India and the Parsi taste met the authentic Indian spices and cuisine. These pickles started becoming an inseparable addition to the Parsi households as they started having them with rice curries and every other dish. These pickles then started captivating attention all over India as they used to be served and sold at Parsi-owned restaurants and shops. Parsi Pickles personifies a cultural bridge depicting the way culinary traditions can blend over time and borders. From Persia to India these recipes have adapted and absorbed diverse culinary influences making them a unique blend and one-of-a-kind pickles.

Trends in Pickling: A Modern Reincarnation of Tradition

In recent years, Parsi pickles have experienced a revival, reflecting broader trends in the culinary world. The renewed interest in pickling aligns with the sustainable living movement and the endeavours to reduce food waste. Parsi pickles epitomize the very essence of making the most out of seasonal bounties and prolonging their deliciousness.

Diversity of Parsi Pickles

1. Mangoes

• Varieties: Achaar, Ambli, Keri no Murabbo, chunda.
• Mangoes are a favourite fruit for pickling, and in the Parsi tradition, they are transformed into various forms, such as traditional mango pickles, a sweet and tangy preserve (Ambli), and a spiced mango murabba (Keri no Murabbo).

2. Lemons

• Varieties: Limbu nu Achaar, Lemon Pickle, limbu khajur
• Lemons are used to creating Limbu nu Achaar, a zesty and tangy pickle that adds a burst of flavour to various dishes. Additionally, there's a specific Lemon Pickle variety that showcases the bright, citrusy taste of lemons.

3. Fish

• Varieties: Gharab Nu Achar, Bumbla Nu Tarapori Patiyo.
• Fish is an integral part of Parsi cuisine, and these 2 fish pickles are very tasty and an amazing flavour to food for non-vegetarians.

4. Prawns

• Variety: Kolmi no Patio.
• Prawns are used to make Kolmi no Patio, a delicious and tangy prawn pickle that combines the unique taste of prawns with Parsi spices.

5. Carrots

• Variety: Gajar ka Achaar, lagan nu achar.
• Carrots are turned into Gajar no Achaar, a delightful pickle that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with savoury spices.

6. Dates

• Variety: Khajoor no Achhar, Limbu khajur achar.
• Dates are transformed into Khajoor no Achhar, a sweet and slightly spicy pickle that marries the natural sweetness of dates with aromatic spices.

7. Garlic

• Variety: Lasan no Achhar.
• Garlic is used to create Lasan no Achhar, a pungent and flavourful pickle that showcases the bold taste of garlic with spices, making it a delightful accompaniment.

Wrapping Up

In closing, Parsi pickles are not mere condiments; they are a testament to a rich cultural legacy and an unwavering commitment to tradition. As they journey through history, adapting to contemporary trends while offering a wide spectrum of flavours, they become an irresistible addition to your culinary exploration. At The Parsi Store , we are passionate about preserving and sharing the culinary treasures of the Parsi community. With a diverse selection of Parsi pickles and other exquisite offerings, our website is your portal to this unique heritage.