Question

Mango pickle can be stored for a long time. Why?

Answer 1

Acetic acid is used to preserve commercially made pickles in India, since they need to have a longer shelf-life. Because of the addition of acetic acid in pickles, all commercial pickles taste the same.

However, we do not use acetic acid in home-made pickles. Hence, each pickle has a distinct taste of the vegetable/ raw fruit used in making it.

Salt and / or oil used in the preparation of pickles, are enough to preserve these pickles. Home-made pickles are for consumption of family members, and so are made in small quantities. Since they are made to be consumed within a year, i.e., till the next mango season, it is not necessary to add acetic acid to preserve it.