Atchara Explained

Atchara
Alternate Name:	Atsara, Achara
Country:	Philippines
Served:	side or main
Main Ingredient:	unripe papaya

Atchara (also spelled achara or atsara) is a pickle made from grated unripe papaya originating from the Philippines.^[1] This dish is often served as a side dish for fried or grilled foods such as pork barbecue.

History

The name atchara originated from the Indian achar, which was transmitted to the Philippines via the acar of the Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.^{[2] [3]}

Preparation

The primary ingredient is grated unripe papaya. Carrot slices, julienned ginger, bell pepper, onion and garlic make up the other vegetables. Raisins or pineapple chunks may be added, and chilis, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, or whole peppercorns complete the mixture. These are then mixed in a solution of vinegar, sugar/syrup, and salt preserves.

The mixture is placed in airtight jars where it will keep without refrigeration; however, once opened, it is preferably kept chilled to maintain its flavor.

Variants

• Atcharang maasim (sour pickles) - is prepared in the same way as normal Atchara except that no sugar is added.^[4]
• Atcharang labóng (pickled bamboo shoots) - are prepared in the same way as Atchara, but use bamboo shoots instead of papaya.^[5]
• Atcharang dampalit (pickled sea purslane) - made from Sesuvium portulacastrum, called dampalit in Tagalog.^{[6] [7]}
• Atcharang ubod (pickled palm hearts) - made from palm hearts, called ubod in Tagalog.^[8]
• Atcharang sayote (pickled chayote) - made from chayote, bell pepper, carrots, and ginger.^{[9] [10]}

See also

• Philippine condiments

Notes and References

1. Book: Zabilka, G. . Customs and Culture of the Philippines . Tuttle Publishing . 2007 . 978-1-4629-1302-2 . November 3, 2017 . pt111.
2. Web site: Pickles Throughout History. February 15, 2018.
3. Web site: A Brief History Of The Humble Indian Pickle. July 20, 2016 . theculturetrip.com. November 28, 2016.
4. Book: Dagoon. Culinary Arts II. Rex Bookstore, Inc.. 1997. 978-971-23-2157-3. etal.
5. Book: Jesse D. Dagoon. Applied nutrition and food technology. Rex Bookstore, Inc.. 1989. 978-971-23-0505-4.
6. Web site: Atsarang Dampalit. Provincial Government of Bulacan, Philippines. September 23, 2012. February 8, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120208162423/http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/business/product.php?id=3. dead.
7. Web site: Atsarang Dampalit . May 25, 2009. Market Manila. September 23, 2012.
8. Web site: Ubod / Heart of (Coconut) Palm. February 21, 2008. Market Manila. September 23, 2012.
9. Web site: Chayote Pickles . Putahe ni Aling Mading . July 12, 2019.
10. Web site: Atsarang Sayote . Foodipino . July 12, 2019.