From nani’s kitchen to your plate: Summer pickles with a healthy twist!
With changing temperature, our eating habits shift drastically. While cold drinks, fruit juices, and chaas dominate in summer months, there's one item that remains a constant favourite—pickles. Yes, the tangy, spicy, and sweet condiments have more to offer than just a simple burst of flavour. In fact, the summer-friendly pickles can be a tummy-friendly delight, helping your digestion while adding the much needed zing to your meals.
In Indian households, pickles aren’t just a side dish—they’re an emotion. Pickles carry the essence of regional flavours and unique family traditions. From Andhra’s fiery Avakaya to Gujarati methi-mango, pickles come in various avatars. Know how pickles play a vital role in keeping our stomachs happy in scorching temperatures.
Fermentation Magic: Naturally fermented pickles are loaded with probiotics that promote digestion.
Appetite Booster: The tangy taste of pickles stimulates digestive juices. So, if you are loosing appetite in summer, try pickle!
Cooling Ingredients: Many summer pickles use mango, lemon, and fennel, which are known for their cooling and digestive properties.
A classic dish across India, this lemon pickle balances sour and spicy with a punch of saltiness. Lemon is naturally enriched with Vitamin C, regulating digestion.
Health Tip: Opt for sun-fermented versions only with minimal oil. Instead of sugar, use jaggery for a healthier kick.
This is a true summer superstar! Raw mango cools the body and fennel promotes digestion. This North Indian favourite is slightly sweet, tangy, and very soothing to the stomach.
This spicy pickle is surprisingly gentle on your gut when prepared with buttermilk, mustard seeds, and mild spices. The buttermilk neutralizes the heat and provides probiotics.
Loaded with antioxidants and immunity-boosting Vitamin C, amla pickle is a summer winner. It improves gut health and balances internal heat.
Incorporate pickles with the smart way to amplify health benefits. Here’s how:
Pair them right: Pickles are best suited with plain dal-chawal, khichdi, or paratha.
Never overdo: A spoonful is enough—pickles are condiments, don't consume them like the main dishes!
Watch the oil and salt: Homemade or low-oil pickles are best for your health. Excessive salt can cause water retention in summer.
Go seasonal: Summer-friendly ingredients like raw mango, lemon, and amla are ideal.
(Credit: Instagram/@chinus.kitchen_)
Preserving pickles in right way ensures they stay fresh, flavourful, and safe to eat for year around. Always store pickles in clean and airtight glass jars. Use dry spoons to avoid contamination. There are several natural preservatives including mustard oil, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice to inhibit spoilage. Pickle jar should be stored in cool and dry places. For longer shelf life, keep them in refrigerator.
The charm of homemade summer achars is still the same. So, the next time your lunch feels boring, just add a spoonful of tasty and tummy-friendly pickle—and let your tastebuds rejoice!
