5 Traditional Pickles from South India You Must Try This Summer
For many of us, summer brings more than heat — it brings the taste of tradition, packed lovingly into every pickle jar.
It’s the sound of raw mangoes being sliced, the fragrance of roasted mustard seeds filling the air, and rows of freshly bottled pickles basking in the midday sun.
It's a tradition that turns simple, everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.
Making a pickle is more than just mixing spices — it’s a quiet ritual of love, patience, and family. At Swastik, we honour that in every pack
Which pickle is famous in India?
Mango pickle — known as Avakaya in the South and Aam ka Achar in the North — is one of the most iconic and beloved pickles across India. Its bold, tangy flavor, long shelf life, and versatility with meals make it a staple in almost every Indian home, especially during summer.
Here are five traditional pickles that truly capture the taste of a South Indian summer:
1. Avakaya (Raw Mango Pickle)
When you think of summers, you think of Avakaya.
Tender chunks of raw mango are marinated in a fiery blend of mustard powder, natural mirchi powder, and cold-pressed oil - a timeless recipe that's as bold as it is comforting.
For the perfect Avakaya, the secret lies in the quality of the mirchi powder - and that's why traditional kitchens reach for pure, sun-dried varieties like Three Mango Mirch Powder to capture that deep red color and balanced heat.
2. Gongura Pickle (Sorrel Leaves Pickle)
Sour, spicy, and utterly addictive - Gongura pickle is an Andhra staple.
Fresh sorrel leaves are blended with a burst of spice, creating a flavor so bold it demands attention.
Using a natural, deep-hued chilli powder like Three Mango Mirch Powder ensures the gongura’s unique tang stays at the center, complemented – not masked - by the spice.
3. Lemon Pickle (Nimmakaya Uragaya)
Bright, tangy, and packed with flavor, lemon pickle is a summer favorite that pairs beautifully with curd rice, pongal, and even dosas.
Here, the balance of spice is everything — just enough heat to complement the natural zing of the lemons without overpowering their bright, citrusy punch.
4. Tomato Pickle
Sweet, spicy, and a little tangy — Tomato Pickle is the pick-me-up that brightens even the simplest meals.
Made with ripe tomatoes, mustard seeds, and a carefully balanced mix of spices, it brings warmth and depth in every bite.
At Swastik, our Tomato Pickle is crafted to capture that homemade taste — bold, comforting, and just the right amount of tangy to keep you coming back for more.
5. Usirikaya Pickle (Gooseberry Pickle)
Rich in vitamin C and bold in taste, gooseberry (amla) pickles are another treasured part of South Indian summers.
Sauteing the berries lightly before pickling helps lock in their juicy sharpness, and when paired with a pure, additive-free chilli powder, the result is a pickle that’s bursting with authentic, wholesome flavor — just as tradition intended.
Preserving More Than Just Pickles
These pickles aren’t just food — they’re living memories sealed into jars. Reminders of sunny courtyards, shared kitchens, and recipes whispered from one generation to the next.
At Swastik, every pinch of our Three Mango Mirchi Powder carries that heritage — pure, vibrant, and made with care. Because in every bite of a pickle, there’s a story — one that deserves to be remembered, retold, and savored.