11 Food Storage Tips India Needs for Humid Weather

10. Store oils and pickles sensibly to prevent rancidity

Heat and humidity speed up oxidation, which makes oils go rancid and can change the flavour of achar. Keep cooking oils in dark glass or metal tins away from direct sunlight and the stove. Buy smaller bottles if your kitchen stays warm, or move the bottle to a cooler corner after use. For pickles, sterilise light-proof glass jars and fill them fully to reduce air space where mould can form; use clean spoons each time to keep contaminants out. Some homemade pickles are shelf-stable due to high salt or oil content, but in very humid or hot homes, refrigeration of opened jars extends life and keeps flavour true. If you notice off-smells in oil or pickles, discard rather than tasting — rancidity is not reversible and affects health and taste.