Health Benefits of Delicious Pickles

Almost 4000 years ago, pickles were prepared using cucumbers. Pickling process is used to preserve foods. Those foods which run out of season are preserved by pickling. The pickling process imparts delicious flavours to the pickles. Vitamin B content of the pickled food is improved. Vitamin B is produced by bacteria during the pickling process.

In India, no meal is complete without crunchy and sumptuous pickles. Most people eat pickles on a daily basis. Hence, it is a common sight in this country to find a jar filled with pickles. Not only in India but in the US and other countries too pickles are consumed in large quantities every year.

Pickles are prepared from raw mango, cucumber, carrot, chillies, etc. One of the most popular pickles, of course, is the mango pickle. It is loved by almost everyone and can be prepared during the season of raw mangoes. Mango pickle is consumed with a wide variety of dishes including parathas, stuffed bread, rice preparations, etc.

Tomato pickle is another tasty version which is loved by many. It is usually served with hot rice or roti. It is made with indigenous tomatoes. The tangy flavour blends with most of the food dishes.

The crucial ingredients in the pickle making are salt and oil, apart from the organic fruits and vegetables. Salt inhibits bacterial growth in the pickle by absorbing moisture. Salts acts as a preservative in the pickle. Oil keeps the ingredients moist and prevents them from drying off.

Health Benefits of Pickles:

Benefits of pickles for health and body are incredible. Raw, lacto-fermented vegetables (pickles) have probiotic bacteria that are the good bacteria. These bacteria inhibit the growth of harmful microbes in the intestines. Pickles have a higher concentration of Vitamin B and C. Pickles supply good amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The nutritive value of pickles is high and it contributes to modest diabetes control, improved digestion, protection of liver, a good supply of probiotics. The nutrients obtained from the pickles have the ability to heal ulcers. Absorption of iron from food increases with the use of pickles.

The Process of Pickling:

In the heat of the summer, interesting pickle recipes can be made. The brine is prepared in which the vegetables or fruits are submerged. The brine consists of various ingredients like salt, spices, etc. In chemical pickling, vinegar is added, however, it should be noted that this kind of pickle does not contain any probiotic bacteria.

In the traditional method, raw fruits and vegetables are washed and cut into pieces. Then, various spices are added and the jar is kept under the sun. The pickle should be stored in a clean and air tight container. Pickle must be stirred at regular intervals otherwise too much of carbon dioxide will be formed in the jar.

In the modern era, both men and women work to support the livelihood and women are always hustled to take care of home and office work. Hence, no one has much time to prepare these time-consuming pickle recipes. Buy exquisite and tempting pickles from the best pickle manufacturers.