Summer in India can be brutal with soaring temperatures, and when the mercury rises, we often find ourselves reaching for lighter, refreshing foods that can provide a bit of relief. While cold drinks and fresh fruits like watermelon and cucumber help, there’s one food item that’s a staple in every Indian kitchen that can do wonders in hot weather — pickles!
Pickles in summer not only complement your meals but also offer a variety of health benefits, like aiding digestion, keeping your gut healthy, and even offering a cooling effect. So, which pickle is best in summer? The answer depends on factors like taste, texture, and how the pickle can help balance the hot and dry days of the season. In this blog, we will dive into the best summer-friendly pickles that can not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a cool, refreshing burst of flavors during the hot months.
Why Pickles Are Perfect for Summer
Before we get into the specific pickles, let’s take a moment to appreciate why pickles are a go-to summer food:
Cooling Effects: Many summer pickles, especially those made with ingredients like lemon, mint, and tamarind, have a cooling effect on the body. This helps reduce the impact of the heat on your body and keeps you hydrated.
Digestive Benefits: The spices and ingredients used in pickles, like asafoetida, mustard, and cumin, can aid digestion and soothe the stomach, which is especially helpful when we indulge in heavy meals during summer.
Preservation of Fresh Ingredients: Summer is a time when fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. Pickles made from these ingredients help preserve them, and you get to enjoy the flavors all year round.
Boosts Appetite: The tanginess and spices in pickles can help stimulate your appetite, making you more likely to enjoy your meals even in the heat.
With these benefits in mind, let’s take a closer look at the best pickles to enjoy in the summer months.
1. Lemon Pickle (Nimbu ka Achaar)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Lemon is one of the most cooling fruits you can eat, making lemon pickle the ultimate summer companion. Packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and electrolytes, lemon pickles not only help beat the heat but also keep your immune system strong. The addition of mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric in the pickle further adds digestive benefits, making it a great way to soothe your stomach during the hot weather.
Taste profile: Tangy, slightly spicy, and citrusy. The tartness of lemon combined with the heat from spices creates a refreshing balance.
Best for: Pairing with dal, rice, or roti. It’s also a great side with snacks like samosas or pakoras during evening tea.
Why it’s best for summer: Lemon pickle has a cooling effect on the body and is light, making it a great accompaniment to summer meals without overwhelming your senses.
2. Mango Pickle (Aam ka Achaar) – Light Version
Why it’s perfect for summer: Mangoes are the ultimate summer fruit, and a light version of mango pickle (especially one without added sugar) can bring the best of both worlds. The raw, green mangoes used in pickles are packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which help to boost your immunity and digestion during the summer months. The sourness of raw mangoes is especially refreshing when paired with spices like mustard seeds, fennel, and red chili.
Taste profile: Tangy, mildly spicy, and earthy. The slightly bitter and tart taste of the raw mango, combined with the rich spice blend, makes for a delectable experience.
Best for: Pairing with parathas, rice, or as a side to grilled meats. It’s also great with yogurt or curd rice for a cool, balanced meal.
Why it’s best for summer: Mango pickles are tangy, hydrating, and perfect for hot days. Choose a version with less oil and salt to keep it light and refreshing.
3. Mint Pickle (Pudina ka Achaar)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Mint is one of the most cooling herbs, and when used in a pickle, it can help soothe the digestive system, refresh your breath, and reduce the effects of heat. Mint pickles are usually made with fresh mint leaves, lemon, green chilies, and spices like cumin and asafoetida. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, making mint pickles not just tasty, but also a digestive aid during the summer months.
Taste profile: Cool, zesty, and mildly spicy. The sharp, refreshing flavor of mint is balanced by tangy lemon and a bit of heat from the chilies.
Best for: Perfect with pulao, biryanis, or as a side dish with roti and paratha. Mint pickle can also be a refreshing addition to summer salads or sandwiches.
Why it’s best for summer: Mint provides a cooling effect, which helps to reduce the body temperature in the heat. It also aids digestion, making it ideal for heavy summer meals.
4. Tamarind Pickle (Imli ka Achaar)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Tamarind is not only tangy and flavorful but also known for its cooling properties. Tamarind pickles are commonly made with tamarind pulp, jaggery, and a mixture of spices like mustard, fenugreek, and cumin. The tanginess of tamarind, combined with a hint of sweetness from the jaggery, creates a perfect balance, making it a great pickle to beat the summer heat.
Taste profile: Tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy. The combination of sweet jaggery and tangy tamarind is both soothing and flavorful.
Best for: Pairing with rice, dal, or even roti. It’s also fantastic with parathas and kachoris for a snack.
Why it’s best for summer: Tamarind pickle has a cooling effect on the body, and its high electrolyte content helps replenish the body’s salt balance in hot weather.
5. Carrot and Cauliflower Pickle
Why it’s perfect for summer: Carrots and cauliflower are both seasonal vegetables that offer refreshing crunch and mild, sweet flavors when pickled. The addition of spices like mustard, turmeric, and asafoetida gives the pickle its characteristic tanginess while also providing digestive benefits. This crunchy, tangy pickle pairs wonderfully with lighter summer meals.
Taste profile: Crunchy, tangy, and mildly spicy. The sweetness of carrots and cauliflower adds a balanced contrast to the spices.
Best for: Goes well with rice, dal, parathas, or pulao. It’s also great as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken.
Why it’s best for summer: The crunchy vegetables and digestive spices make this pickle both refreshing and light, perfect for complementing summer meals.
6. Chili Pickle (Mirchi ka Achaar) – Mild Version
Why it’s perfect for summer: While chili pickles can often be quite hot and intense, a mild version made with green chilies and spices like mustard seeds, garlic, and cumin can be surprisingly refreshing in the summer. The heat from the chilies can help stimulate digestion, but it’s important to use a moderate amount of chili to avoid overwhelming the stomach in hot weather.
Taste profile: Spicy, tangy, and slightly bitter. The heat from the chilies combined with tangy lemon or vinegar gives it a zesty flavor.
Best for: Best paired with parathas, dal rice, or as a side with roti. It can also be a great addition to biryani or grilled meats.
Why it’s best for summer: The mild chili pickle helps improve digestion and can boost metabolism without being too overpowering for the summer heat.
Conclusion: Which Pickle is Best for Summer?
When the temperatures rise, it’s essential to pick pickles that are refreshing, cooling, and light. Lemon pickle, mint pickle, and tamarind pickle are excellent summer choices due to their cooling effects and digestive benefits. Mango pickle, when made with less oil, and carrot-cauliflower pickle offer a perfect balance of flavors and nutrition to complement summer meals.
Remember, the key to enjoying pickles in summer is moderation. While these pickles can elevate your meals and provide health benefits, too much salt or spice can lead to dehydration. So enjoy these flavorful, summer-friendly pickles, and make this season a little more tangy, tasty, and refreshing!