Spicy & Tangy Mix Fruits Pickle Recipe

Originally published on dishcrave.xyz

This spicy and tangy mix fruits pickle combines crisp tropical fruits, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper for a delicious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Made with water apples, green mango or ambarella, and tart cherries, this easy fruit pickle is a colorful addition to everyday meals.

Serve it as a flavorful side dish with rice and curry, grilled dishes, or other savory meals. You can also enjoy a small portion on its own when you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and spicy.

This quick tropical fruit pickle requires no cooking and is ready after a short resting period, allowing the fruit juices and seasonings to blend.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 15–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 35–50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Cuisine: South Asian-inspired, tropical
• Course: Side dish, condiment
• Method: No-cook
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Mix Fruits Pickle

Fresh Fruits

• 2 cups water apples (wax apples or jambu), washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup green ambarella or unripe mango, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup Barbados cherries (pitanga) or another suitable tart cherry, washed and halved if needed

Spices and Seasonings

• 1–1½ tablespoons red chili powder, adjusted to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper
• 1–1½ tablespoons salt or rock salt, adjusted to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons vinegar or fresh lime juice, optional
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey, optional, to balance the sourness and heat

Ingredient note: Water apples, ambarella, and cherries vary in size and tartness. Adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go. If using mango instead of ambarella, choose firm, unripe fruit for a crisp texture.

How to Make Spicy & Tangy Mix Fruits Pickle

Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Fresh Fruits

Wash the water apples, green mango or ambarella, and cherries thoroughly under clean running water. Drain them well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Remove any damaged portions and discard fruit that is spoiled or moldy. Keeping the fruit clean and relatively dry helps prevent the pickle from becoming unnecessarily watery.

Step 2: Peel and Slice the Hard Fruits

Peel the green mango or ambarella if desired, then cut it into thin, even strips or bite-sized slices. Remove any large, hard seeds.

Cut the water apples into halves or quarters, removing seeds if present. Leave small cherries whole or cut them in half, removing pits when necessary.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size so the seasonings coat them evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Green Fruit

Place the sliced mango or ambarella in a clean, dry glass bowl or food-safe container.

Add a small portion of the salt and toss gently. This helps the seasoning begin to coat the firmer fruit.

Step 4: Add the Water Apples and Cherries

Add the prepared water apples and cherries to the bowl. Mix gently so the softer fruits do not become crushed.

The combination of crisp green fruit, juicy water apples, and tart cherries creates a variety of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Add the Spices and Seasonings

Sprinkle the red chili powder and crushed black pepper over the fruit. Add the remaining salt gradually, mixing well after each addition.

If you prefer a sharper, tangier flavor, add the vinegar or fresh lime juice. For a slightly sweeter balance, add sugar or honey.

Start with smaller amounts of the optional ingredients, then adjust to your taste.

Step 6: Toss and Let the Flavors Blend

Mix all the ingredients until the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and seasoning.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. During this time, the fruit releases some natural juices, creating a flavorful, spicy dressing.

Taste before serving and adjust the salt, chili, or lime juice if necessary. Avoid leaving the prepared fruit sitting at room temperature for extended periods.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the finished mix fruits pickle to a clean serving bowl. Garnish with a little extra chili powder or freshly crushed black pepper if desired.

Serve chilled or shortly after preparation alongside rice and curry, grilled vegetables, or other savory dishes.

For the best crunch and freshness, enjoy the pickle soon after making it.

Tips for the Best Mix Fruits Pickle

• Choose firm fruit: Slightly underripe mangoes and ambarella give the pickle a pleasant crunch and sour flavor.
• Dry the fruit well: Excess water can dilute the seasonings and make the mixture watery.
• Adjust the chili: Start with less chili powder if you prefer mild heat, then add more to taste.
• Balance the flavors: Lime juice or vinegar increases tanginess, while a little sugar or honey can soften excessive sourness.
• Mix gently: Water apples and ripe cherries can bruise or break apart easily.
• Use clean equipment: Prepare the pickle in a clean bowl with clean utensils and transfer leftovers to a clean, covered container.
• Refrigerate promptly: This is a fresh fruit preparation, not a tested shelf-stable preserve. Keep it refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below and consume it promptly, preferably within 3 days. Discard it sooner if its appearance, smell, or texture becomes abnormal. Do not store it at room temperature or rely on optional vinegar or lime juice to make it shelf-stable.

What to Serve with Mix Fruits Pickle

This spicy tropical fruit pickle pairs well with:

• Steamed rice and vegetable or meat curries
• Sri Lankan-style rice dishes
• Grilled fish or chicken
• Savory flatbreads and roti
• Mild rice and lentil dishes

Its sharp, spicy flavor provides a lively contrast to mild or rich foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mix fruits pickle?

Mix fruits pickle is a seasoned fruit preparation made by combining different fruits with spices, salt, and optional acidic ingredients such as lime juice or vinegar. The result is a sweet, sour, spicy, and tangy side dish.

Which fruits can I use for mix fruits pickle?

Water apples, unripe mangoes, ambarella, and tart cherries are suitable choices. You can adjust the combination based on seasonal availability, fruit firmness, and your preferred balance of sourness and sweetness.

How can I make fruit pickle less spicy?

Reduce the amount of red chili powder and black pepper. You can also add a little sugar or honey to balance the heat, or increase the proportion of fruit.

Can I prepare mix fruits pickle ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it a short time before serving and refrigerate it while the flavors blend. For the freshest texture, avoid making it too far in advance.

How should I store homemade mix fruits pickle?

Place it in a clean, covered container and refrigerate promptly at 4°C (40°F) or below. As this recipe has not been tested as a preservation method, consume it preferably within 3 days and do not treat it as a shelf-stable pickle.

Is vinegar necessary for this recipe?

No. Vinegar is optional and adds a sharper tang. Fresh lime juice can provide a similar flavor adjustment, but neither ingredient makes this recipe shelf-stable without a validated preservation process.

Final Thoughts

This spicy and tangy mix fruits pickle is an easy way to enjoy seasonal tropical fruits with a bold combination of chili, salt, and aromatic pepper. Experiment with different fruit combinations and seasoning levels to create a version that suits your taste.

Did you make this recipe? Share your experience and tell us which fruits you used!

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