Atchara (Filipino Pickled Papaya)

Tangy, sweet, and delightfully crunchy, Atchara (Filipino Pickled Papaya) is a vibrant condiment that elevates any meal with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This traditional Filipino recipe features freshly grated green papaya brined to perfection, combined with colorful julienned carrots, bell peppers, raisins, and aromatic ginger, garlic, and red onion. The pickling solution, made with vinegar, sugar, and peppercorns, infuses the mix with a harmonious balance of sweet and sour notes. Ideal as a side dish or topping, Atchara pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes like grilled meats and seafood, offering a refreshing contrast. Easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead storage, this homemade pickle is a must-try for fans of bold, complex flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups, grated green papaya
• 1 medium, julienned carrot
• 1 small, sliced into strips red bell pepper
• 1 small, sliced into strips yellow bell pepper
• 0.5 cup raisin
• 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
• 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
• 2 tablespoons, julienned ginger
• 2 cups vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons, for brining salt

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the green papaya. Peel and remove the seeds, then grate it using a coarse grater.

Step 2

Place the grated papaya into a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of salt. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3

After 30 minutes, rinse the papaya thoroughly under running water. Squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands or a cheesecloth, then set aside in a large bowl.

Step 4

Add the julienned carrot, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, raisins, sliced red onion, sliced garlic, and julienned ginger to the bowl with the papaya. Toss well to combine the ingredients.

Step 5

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 6

Once the vinegar mixture is boiling and the sugar is dissolved, remove it from the heat and pour it over the papaya mixture. Stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Step 7

Allow the atchara to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to sterilized glass jars or an airtight container.

Step 8

Refrigerate the atchara for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It is best consumed after a few days and can be stored for up to a month in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1737.7 grams (1737.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1534

Total Fat 3.60g	5%
Saturated Fat 0.80g	4%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 21364mg	929%
Total Carbohydrate 361.90g	132%
Dietary Fiber 20.50g	73%
Total Sugars 290.00g
Protein 10.90g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 273mg	21%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 2825mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.1%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 95.0%