Karela Pickle — Andhra Store sealed glass jar on white background, hygienically packed

Authentic Recipe🌶Hot

Andhra Karela Pickle

Kakarakaya Pachadi

4.3|67 Reviews

₹200₹24020% OFF

Bitter gourd pieces cured in Guntur chilli and groundnut oil. Not for everyone, but deeply familiar if you grew up eating this.

250g BaseNo Preservatives2–4 Day DeliveryCold-Pressed Groundnut Oil

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Karela pickle is one of those foods that you either grew up eating and love, or you're trying for the first time and wondering what possessed anyone to pickle something this bitter. There's no middle ground, and that's fine. This pickle is made for people who know what kakarakaya pachadi is supposed to taste like.

Bitter gourd (kakarakaya in Telugu) is cut into thin rounds, lightly dried to reduce moisture, and then cured in Guntur red chilli powder, roasted mustard seed powder, fenugreek, rock salt, turmeric and cold-pressed groundnut oil. The bitterness doesn't go away — it's the whole point of the pickle. What the spices and oil do is round out the edges so the bitterness becomes rich rather than harsh.

In Andhra homes, this was a pickle kept specifically for older family members who had been told by doctors to eat karela for blood sugar management. Over time it became part of the regular rotation. Eat a small piece alongside dal rice or sambar rice. It cuts through the mild, starchy flavour of the rice in a way that the sweeter or sourer pickles don't.

If you've been looking for a genuine kakarakaya pachadi that tastes like the one your nana or thatha used to have, this is close.

🍽️ Best Served With

Hot rice with gheeDal and riceChapati or phulkaCurd riceKhichdi

How to use: Best served with rice, rotis, or as a side dish. Use a clean, dry spoon every time. Store in a cool, dry place.

Ingredients

Bitter Gourd (Karela)Cold-Pressed Groundnut OilGuntur Red Chilli PowderRock SaltTurmericLemon Juice & VinegarGinger & Garlic PasteGaram Masala

Health Benefits

Karela (bitter gourd) is one of the most medicinally valued vegetables in traditional Indian medicine. It is exceptionally rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, and contains bioactive compounds including charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, which are associated with blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity. Bitter gourd is also a good source of iron, folate, potassium, and dietary fiber. Cold-pressed groundnut oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The Guntur chilli adds capsaicin for metabolism support and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger and garlic contribute antibacterial and immune-boosting compounds. This pickle format allows you to benefit from karela's medicinal properties in a shelf-stable, flavorful form.

Storage Instructions

Store Andhra Karela Pickle in an airtight container immediately after opening. Use a clean, dry spoon every time. Shelf life is 6 months from manufacture date (unopened). Once opened, consume within 2 months and refrigerate. The vinegar and lemon base provides additional natural preservation. Best kept away from direct sunlight.

Product Specifications

SKU: AS-VEG-011
Net Weight: 250g / 500g / 1kg
Origin: Daman
Oil Type: Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil
Preservatives: None
Shelf Life: 6 months (unopened)
Diet Type: 🟢 Vegetarian
Spice Level: Hot

Traditional Method

Farm to Jar Process

Sourced

Sun-Dried

Spiced

Cured

Packed

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Andhra Karela Pickle last?

Unopened jars remain fresh up to 6 months from manufacture date. Once opened, consume within 3 months and refrigerate for maximum freshness.

Is Andhra Karela Pickle spicy?

Andhra Karela Pickle is rated Hot on our spice scale. It has bold traditional Andhra heat balanced with the main ingredient flavour.

Does Andhra Karela Pickle contain preservatives?

No — Andhra Karela Pickle is made without any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavor enhancers. The cold-pressed oil and spice base act as natural preservatives.

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