Your Pickle Parcel Has Arrived: What to Do in the First Five Minutes and the First Week
The doorbell rings, the courier hands you a box, and inside are the pickles you've been waiting for. It's tempting to rip open the first jar and grab a spoon. Go ahead and enjoy it! But taking five minutes to do a few simple things will keep your pickles tasting great until the very last spoon.
Here's what we recommend, based on how we pack our jars and what our customers have taught us.
In the First Five Minutes
1. Check the outer box
Look at the carton before opening. Is it intact? Any signs of oil seeping through? Our jars are packed in cushioned, multi-layered cartons designed for oil and liquid transport, so this is rare, but it's good to check.
2. Open the box and check each jar
Take out each jar and look for:
- Cracks or breakage
- Leaks around the lid
- The induction seal intact under the lid
Our pickles are packed in food-grade airtight bottles with induction-sealed lids. The seal is a thin foil layer stuck to the mouth of the jar under the cap. It keeps the pickle protected during transit.
3. Report any problems the same day
If anything is damaged, leaking or not as expected, take photos and contact us on the same day of receiving it, with your order number. Our refund policy asks for damaged or defective items to be reported within the same day of receipt so we can look into it. You can reach us on WhatsApp at +91 98486 58989, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM IST.
4. Wipe the jars
During transport, a little oil can sometimes coat the outside of a jar. Wipe each jar with a clean, dry cloth before putting it away.
Opening Your First Jar
- Unscrew the cap.
- Peel off the induction seal carefully, using the tab if there is one. If it's stubborn, pierce it at the edge with a clean, dry knife tip and peel.
- Smell it. You should get a fresh aroma of chilli, mustard, garlic and the main ingredient.
- Look at the oil layer. During travel, the pickle may have shifted. If any pieces are sticking up above the oil, press them gently down with a clean, dry spoon.
- Taste a little. Then close the lid.
Set Up a "Daily" Serving Jar
This one habit makes the biggest difference in how long your pickle stays fresh.
- Take a small, clean, completely dry glass or steel container.
- Fill it with a few days' worth of pickle using a dry spoon.
- Use this small container at the dining table.
- Keep the main jar sealed in a cool place or the fridge, opening it only to refill.
The main jar stays protected from wet hands, steam and repeated opening.
Decide What Goes Where
- Veg pickles (unopened): Store in a cool, dry, dark cupboard, away from the stove, sink and windows.
- Veg pickles (opened): Our product pages recommend refrigerating after opening for the best freshness.
- Non-veg pickles (chicken, mutton, prawn): Refrigerate after opening. This is especially important.
- Always: Follow the shelf-life details printed on the jar label for your batch.
The First Week: Build Good Habits
Use a dedicated dry spoon
Keep one steel spoon just for pickles. Wash and dry it completely after each use.
Never put back
Pickle that's been on a plate or touched rice never goes back into the jar.
Keep it under oil
Every time you take some out, press the rest down.
Close the lid right away
Don't leave the jar open during the meal.
Notice the changes
Over the first days and weeks, you may notice mango and lemon pieces softening and flavours mellowing. That's normal; many people prefer pickles once they've rested a little.
When the Oil Looks Different in the Fridge
If you refrigerate your pickle, the oil may thicken or turn slightly cloudy. Don't worry; it's normal for oils in the cold. Take out what you need a few minutes before the meal and it will loosen at room temperature. Put the jar back in the fridge promptly.
What to Do If You're Unsure
If something looks or smells unusual, don't take chances. Contact us with photos. For general signs of spoilage and what causes it, our pickle storage guide is a good reference.
Share the Love (Carefully)
Planning to share a jar with family or neighbours? Transfer their portion into a clean, dry, airtight container with a dry spoon, rather than passing around the whole jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the foil seal under the lid?
It's an induction seal that keeps the jar airtight during transport. Peel it off when you first open the jar.
What if my jar arrives damaged?
Take photos and contact us with your order number on the same day of receiving the parcel, as our refund policy asks.
Should I refrigerate my pickles?
Our product pages recommend refrigerating after opening for the best freshness. Non-veg pickles especially should be refrigerated after opening.
Why is the oil cloudy in the fridge?
Oils can thicken or turn cloudy in the cold. It clears at room temperature.
Ready for Your Next Jar?
When your favourites run low, we'll be here. Browse our vegetarian pickles and non-veg pickles. Every jar is made fresh after you order in Tadepalligudem, and Cash on Delivery is available for serviceable pincodes.
With love from our kitchen,
Vidya
Founder, Pickle Basket
About the Author
Vidya
Founder, Pickle Basket