There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own homemade pickle. Whether it’s the tangy crunch of homemade mango achar, the sharp zest of homemade amla pickle, or a unique regional recipe, homemade pickles bring an authentic and personal touch to your meals. But once your pickle jar is ready, how long can you keep it in your kitchen before it goes bad?
The shelf life of homemade pickle depends on several factors, including ingredients, storage conditions, and how the pickle was made. In this post, we’ll explore how long homemade mango achar or any homemade pickle can last, plus some key storage tips to help preserve its flavor and freshness for as long as possible.
Factors That Affect the Shelf Life of Homemade Pickles
Before diving into the specifics of how long homemade pickles last, it’s essential to understand what affects their longevity. Different factors can play a role in determining how long your homemade achar stays fresh:
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Ingredients Used: The choice of spices, oil, and preservatives (like salt or vinegar) can impact how well the pickle holds up over time.
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Fermentation: If you're making fermented pickles (such as those that rely on natural fermentation), they might last longer due to the presence of probiotics.
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Storage Conditions: How you store your pickle—whether it's in the fridge or at room temperature—can significantly affect its shelf life.
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Type of Pickle: The kind of pickle you’re making also plays a role. For example, homemade mango pickle and homemade amla pickle have different shelf lives due to their moisture content and ingredients.
How Long Does Homemade Pickle Last?
At Room Temperature
For homemade pickles that are stored at room temperature (such as homemade mango achar), they typically last about 2 to 3 weeks. This assumes that your pickle is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The high salt and oil content in most homemade mango pickle recipes acts as a preservative, but pickles stored at room temperature can spoil quickly if exposed to too much moisture or air.
To ensure your pickle lasts:
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Keep the jar tightly sealed
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Always use a clean, dry spoon to remove pickle from the jar
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Check the pickle regularly for any signs of spoilage (like mold or a rancid smell)
In the Refrigerator
If you refrigerate your homemade pickle, it can last much longer—up to 6 months or more. The cold temperature slows down the fermentation and preserves the flavors, making it a safer option for longer storage. Most homemade achar recipes will benefit from being stored in the fridge, especially if they contain ingredients like mango or amla, which have a higher moisture content.
To maximize shelf life in the fridge:
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Store the pickle in an airtight glass jar
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Ensure the pickle is completely submerged in oil or brine to prevent exposure to air
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Make sure the jar is sealed tightly after every use
Fermented Pickles
Fermented homemade pickles, like homemade mango achar prepared using natural fermentation, tend to last even longer due to the natural bacteria that help preserve the ingredients. When properly stored in a cool, dark place, fermented pickles can last for several months—sometimes even up to a year. The good bacteria involved in the fermentation process continue to preserve the pickles and keep them safe to eat for an extended period.
How to Store Homemade Pickles for Maximum Shelf Life
Now that we’ve covered how long homemade pickle can last, let’s look at some best practices for storage to ensure they stay fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
1. Use Clean, Dry Jars
When making homemade mango achar or any other pickle, always store it in sterilized glass jars. Glass doesn’t react with the acids in the pickle, preserving both flavor and freshness. Ensure the jars are completely dry before filling them with your pickle to avoid the introduction of moisture, which can lead to spoilage.
2. Ensure Pickles Are Submerged in Oil or Brine
For longer shelf life, make sure your pickles are always fully submerged in oil or brine. This prevents exposure to air, which can lead to mold and spoilage. If you’re making homemade mango pickle or homemade amla achar, a layer of oil (mustard oil is often used) acts as a natural preservative and helps keep the pickles fresh.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Pickles made at home can be stored in a pantry or a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. High heat or humidity can cause them to spoil faster, so make sure your storage area stays cool and dry. If you plan to store your pickle at room temperature for a few weeks, it’s crucial to keep it out of the sun and avoid any areas with high temperatures.
4. Keep the Jar Tightly Sealed
Whether you’re storing homemade mango achar or homemade amla pickle, always seal the jar tightly after every use. A sealed jar prevents oxygen from entering and helps to maintain the flavor and freshness of the pickle.
5. Use a Clean Spoon Every Time
It’s essential to use a clean, dry spoon each time you remove pickle from the jar. Introducing moisture from wet spoons or hands can encourage mold growth and shorten the shelf life of your pickle. Always handle your pickle with care to keep it fresh for longer.
Signs That Your Homemade Pickle Has Gone Bad
Even when stored properly, homemade pickles can sometimes spoil or lose their quality. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
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Mold: If you see any mold forming on the surface of the pickle, it’s time to discard it.
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Rancid smell: If the pickle smells off, sour, or rancid, it’s best to throw it out.
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Separation: If the oil or brine separates significantly from the pickle, it could indicate that the preservation process has failed.
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Discoloration: Significant discoloration of the pickle ingredients could also be a sign that it’s no longer safe to eat.
Conclusion
Homemade pickle can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the ingredients, preparation method, and storage conditions. Properly storing your homemade mango achar or homemade amla pickle in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator, will help ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
If you’ve made your own batch of pickle, follow the storage tips we’ve provided, and enjoy that delicious tangy, spicy goodness for months to come!