Chutney – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Groceries

What is chutney?

Chutney is a versatile condiment that can be savory or sweet. It’s typically made from slow-cooked fruits or vegetables, combined with spices and/or herbs, and simmered in vinegar and sugar. 

It is used to give a taste balance to a collection of dishes. Chutneys can be fresh or cooked and are made from a wide variety of ingredients.

Different types of chutney can include: 

• Mango chutney
• Tomato chutney
• Yogurt or curd based
• Cucumber dips
• Mint-based
• Spicy onion 
• Fruity chutneys
• Sweet plum or tamarind

Where did chutney originate from?

Chutney originates from Southern Asia, specifically the Indian subcontinent, and is widely used in Indian cuisine to highlight specific flavors in curries. Chutneys in India are made with a wide range of ingredients and can be smooth, chunky, cooked, or raw, whereas modern-day chutneys are cooked, preserved, and are known as relish and chutney.

During Colonial times, the British took chutney home with them (along with curry dishes), and this condiment ended up in other colonial places such as the Caribbean and South Africa. 

Chutneys have traveled the world, and throughout their journey, concepts changed until commercially made mango chutney became the most popular chutney.

How is chutney served or eaten?

Traditionally, chutney is served with most Indian cuisine, so curries are perfect for this condiment. Spicy chutneys go well with creamy curries such as korma or coconut, and hot curries like madras are matched with fruity chutneys. Mint chutneys go well with samosas, whereas naan bread or dosa are served with a zesty lime or eggplant pickle chutney.

In other cuisines, less traditional chutneys can be paired with meat or cheeses. Roasted meats go well with onion chutneys, and fruity plum or fig chutneys are perfect with a creamy cheese like brie or camembert.

How is chutney made?

Traditionally, chutney is made by grinding or crushing fresh ingredients together, but most chefs today use a food processor. The fresh fruit or vegetables are then combined and slow-cooked in vinegar with sugar or honey and spices or herbs.

Chutneys range in flavor from spicy to fruity to sweet and sour or mild, and you can make them using any combination of ingredients. Some of the many common ingredients used to make chutney are: 

• Mangoes 
• Apples or pears
• Plums
• Tomatoes
• Figs or dates
• Tamarind
• Onions 
• Lemon
• Raisins
• Vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Spices or herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, mint, turmeric, and coriander

What is the nutritional value of eating chutney?

Chutney not only highlights the flavor of the dishes we eat, but it can also contain a variety of nutrients too. These nutrients range depending on the type of chutney and its ingredients. 

The tomatoes in tomato chutney are rich in antioxidants such as lycopene and vitamin C. Onion chutney also contains antioxidants such as quercetin.

The raw mango fruit in mango chutney is high in polyphenols and vitamin C.

You’ll also find ingredients in chutneys such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric.

What is the shelf life of chutney?

Chutneys have a shelf life of around 1 year unopened from the date of purchase. Once opened, chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 months. The added vinegar and the natural fruit acids help preserve the chutney, creating a low pH level that helps prevent the growth of bacteria. 

How to store chutney

Chutney should be stored in airtight jars and in a cool, dry, and dark place like your pantry. Any direct sunlight can affect the color, and humidity may cause fermentation. Once opened, the chutney should always be stored in the fridge to reduce the growth of bacteria.

How to tell if chutney is bad

The best way to tell if opened chutney is bad is to check the smell and appearance. If it has an odd taste, an off odor, or if you see mold on it, throw it out immediately. 

What can I substitute for chutney?

There are a wide variety of condiments you can substitute for chutney. Mango salsa is a perfect substitute for any sweet chutney. You can even condiments, like marmalade, which is sweeter and less complicated. You can substitute fig jam or plum dip on a cheese board to complement creamy soft cheese like brie or camembert.

Buy your favorite chutney online through Instacart. Order chutney or other condiments from local and national retailers near you and get contactless, same-day delivery, or same-day pickup.

How do you pick chutney at the grocery store?

When shopping, you should look out for chutneys that complement your home-cooked meals. If you’ve cooked up a batch of tikka masala chicken, ask your Instacart shopper to pick a fruity chutney for you, such as a tomato or mango chutney.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for chutney via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the ‘instructions’ option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for chutney.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Taste of Inspirations Mango Chutney (10.5 oz)

Sukhi's Tomato Chutney (8 oz)

Mother's Mint Chutney (250 g)

Virginia Chutney Co. Chutney Spicy Plum (4.4 oz)

PICS Marmalade, Orange (18 oz)

Taste of Inspirations Mango Chutney (10.5 oz)

Finding the best chutney delivered

Chutney is a tasty addition to your home-cooked recipes. Pair it with curries, flatbreads, grilled meats, and fish, or use it as a spread or dip for your cheeseboard or grazing platter.

Instacart offers fresh, and high-quality chutney produce options, as well as convenient same-day pick-up or delivery options near you. Keep your pantry stocked by ordering your groceries via Instacart. Add chutney to your shopping list today! 

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.