Why Store Pickles Only in Glass or Ceramic Jars and Not in Plastic Jars?

Why Store Pickles Only in Glass or Ceramic Jars and Not in Plastic Jars?

Pickles have remained the epitome of Indian food in people's minds, from one generation to another. Mangoes, lemony flavors, and even sweet chillies - to name a few - involve generations of family traditions making pickles. However, how one stores the pickle may prove to be a matter of significant difference in preserving the taste and quality. Traditionally, pickles were always placed in glass or ceramic jars. But why? Now let's dive into this long history and find out why.

The Importance of Proper Pickle Storage

Pickles are expected to last for such a long time- even months or years. Therefore, this type of storage becomes highly crucial to maintain its flavor, texture, and freshness. Pickles have strong constituents like oil, salt, and spices, so they need a jar that can face these elements without degrading. Jar transmission has been passed down from generation to generation in Indian houses through cultural wisdom as well as practical requirements.

Why Glass and Ceramic Jars Are Ideal for Pickles

Chemical Inertness 

Both glass and ceramics are chemically inert, and they do not react to the acidic nature of pickles.  Tamarind, or lemon juice are highly acidic solutions that may be used while making pickles. Using a glass or ceramic jar will ensure the pickle will have its original flavor without causing harm by immersion of some chemical into it. It also doesnt react with oil and salt of pickles. Plastic jars, on the other hand, may react to the acid,oil and salt  over time and compromise the taste or safety of the pickles.

Non-Porous Nature

Glass and ceramic bottles do not absorb moisture, smells, or colours. This characteristic is significant while keeping pickles because it preserves the natural taste as well as the inherent flavor of pickles. Plastic containers are porous in nature. Inevitably, these will absorb all the pungent smells. In due course, stored pickles will lose their freshness, in effect spoiling their quality.

Durability and Safety

In terms of storage, both glass and ceramic jars last longer. Both are heat-proof and, therefore, ideal for a country like India, where pickles might be stored for years together. Plastic would warp or degrade when heated and cannot be used safely for pickle storage.

Cultural Significance

Along with the practical aspects, a strong cultural implication comes along with the container used for pickles. For a long time, Indian families stored their pickles in large ceramic jars, called martbaan, inside their homes. Besides protecting the pickles, these beautiful jars also add an aesthetic touch to the kitchen, thus, bringing the present closer to the past.

The Disadvantages of Storing Pickles in Plastic Jars

1. Reactivity with Acidity

Plastic jars may react with the acidic contents within the pickles, especially if stored for some considerable time. This implies that harmful chemicals such as BPA can leak into the pickles, and the health of humans will be jeopardized. When plastic reacts with pickles, it forms carcinogenic compounds which can cause Cancer in long term.

2. Porosity and Contamination

Plastic is porous. That may enable it to easily take in the oils and strong spices within the pickles. This leads to flavor changes and increased risk of contamination. Prolonged storage of pickles in plastic storage leads to loss of its unique taste.

3. Environmental Concerns

Glass jars are not environmentally friendly. Unlike glass or ceramics, which can be recycled for other purposes, plastic forms rubbish. Use of glass or ceramic is ideally a way of going green while ensuring the pickle tastes perfectly.

Conclusion

Pleasing tradition aside, storing pickles in glass or ceramics is a matter that ensures one remains true to the authentic taste and quality of this food. Glass and ceramic jars protect pickles from chemical reactions, contamination, and spoilage. They ensure that the product remains fresh and flavorful for a very long time. There is so much that plastic can do, but its risks overpower the benefits to some extent. For all pickle enthusiasts who care about the art of pickle-making, switching to glass or ceramic jars is more effective and sustainable.