HOW TO PRESERVE TENDER MANGOES


HOW TO PRESERVE MANGOES
TENDER MANGOES IN BRINE
     Mangoes have an age-old history of its own dating back even before 4000 B.C. Born in India, it found its way into other countries due to its popularity especially for its luscious taste. Mangoes became synonymous 'to Pickle' during colonization.
     Ancient Man found a way to use his produce for later usage, by preserving them. He pickled them or just preserved them by drying them in sun.  Pickling has an age-old history & tradition which reflects every part of the world which is still prevalent in Indian households.  Pickling traditionally means preserving in Vinegar or curing it with Salt or in Brine. BRINE is basically a salt solution. Also Pickling in brine is free from any pathogenic bacteria. Pickling was one method to ensure year-long availability of seasonal products.
    Too small Tender Mangoes turn out bitter, so chose slightly bigger ones.  Utter care should be taken before pickling these tender ones.  Thoroughly sterilize and dry the utensils or jars. Stem, wash and dry the tender mangoes before adding them to the brine. 
     A few weeks back, when my daughter came back from school, she asked me to close my eyes and find out what she has bought for me.  She bought something near my nose - undoubtedly I said, MANGOES !!!  My daughter goes to school in a taxi, the lady who drives the taxi is also a big fan of mangoes and pickles.  They had plucked these tender ones from a tree in the street.  I immediately cleaned them up and added them into the brine even before my daughter washed and came down for lunch. As usual, she commented, how quickly you react for a PICKLE!

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Cuisine - Indian
Recipe Type - Pickling
Difficulty - Easy
Yields - 2- 21/2 Cups
Author - SM

Preparation Time -

Maturing Time - Few Weeks

HOW TO PRESERVE TENDER MANGOES

 

INGREDIENTS:

Kanni Manga / Tender Mangoes - 500 Gms
Salt - 1/2 Cup
Warm Water - 1/4 Cup

METHOD :

  • Boil the water and allow it to cool.
  • Clean the tender mangoes and allow them to dry on a clean kitchen towel.
  • Wipe them off with a clean cloth to get rid of any extra wetness.
  • Take a clean and dry Bottle or Bharani (Porcelain Jar).
  • Put some salt at the bottom of the Jar.
  • Put few tender mangoes over it.
  • Again put some salt and top it up with tender mangoes.
  • Follow the suit until all the mangoes are salted.
  • Close the lid of the jar and mix well, until the mangoes are well coated with Salt.
  • Pour warm water into the jar and mix well.
  • Tightly close the jar and keep it aside in a dry & dark place for a few weeks.
  • Stir the mangoes every two days, so that the essence of mangoes are well infused into the brine.
  • Initially, the tender ones would float over the brine, but gradually they absorb the brine and double their size.
  • Tender mangoes will be ready within a few weeks time.
  • These can be stored in a dry and dark place.
  • In humid climates, it is advisable to keep them refrigerated to avoid spoilage.


NOTES :

  • Retain the small stalks of the Tender Mangoes, as this will help to preserve the mangoes for a longer period. 
  • Whenever I cannot get hold of these tender mangoes, I use raw mango pieces in the same way and prepare pickles. 
  • This Brine preserved Tender Mangoes or Cut Mangoes make tasty and unique, briny & spiced pickles, which taste awesome with curd rice.
  • Avoid using steel/aluminium/copper container for preserving the mangoes, as they tend to react with the acidic nature of salt and mangoes.
  • A suitable method is to store them in Clean and dry sterilized Glass/Ceramic/Porcelain Jars.
  • Always use clean & dry spoons while handling these preserved mangoes. 
  • Wet jars/spoon can spoil the pickle as the moisture in them helps in the growth of Fungus and that would spoil the mangoes. 
  • If stored properly, these preserved mangoes can last for a year or so.
  • Can use these preserved mangoes to prepare Uppu Manga Chalichathu, Manga Chammanthi, Kannimanga Achar, Mango Pickles or in Curries. (Just use the Mangoes and adjust the amount of salt in the recipe).

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