Do you like to eat Atsara?
By warrior_777
@warrior_777 (1392)
Philippines
October 8, 2008 3:10am CST
Atsara is the Philippine contribution to the world of Asian pickles.
Atsara means pickled green papaya. Basically carrots, ginger, onions and bell peppers are added to the papaya and turned it into atsara. The picking solution-a mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt-preserves the papaya and the vegetables. In an air-tight jars atsara will keep even without refrigeration. After the jar has been opened, however, it is best to refrigerate atsara.
We often have atsara in our refrigerator. Atsara is my moms favorite dessert. She likes to eat it with fried fish or fried chicken. It is also best with pork chops and barbecue. My mom always made atsara and give some to our relatives and friend.
Do you know atsara?
Do you like to eat atsara?
Thank you for sharing..
5 people like this
25 responses
@rosedust82 (2066)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
I sure do... But it depends who makes it. There are some that are too sweet for me or some that don't taste at all like atchara. My cousin owns a business that sells roasted chicken and their special add-on is atchara and/or gravy. I'd have to say that they make the best atchara. 
No kidding. People go back because of that. I'm not saying this because she's my cousin but because it's the truth.
It's really hard to make (because I used to help my cousin make them). One, just grating papaya everyday is hard work already! Plus you have to cut the veggies up and prepare the solution. However, I'd have to say, the taste you get makes up for the pain of making it.
No kidding. People go back because of that. I'm not saying this because she's my cousin but because it's the truth.
It's really hard to make (because I used to help my cousin make them). One, just grating papaya everyday is hard work already! Plus you have to cut the veggies up and prepare the solution. However, I'd have to say, the taste you get makes up for the pain of making it. 
@Margarit (3676)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
Same here rosedust82, It is really depend on who make it, some atsara is too sour and some is too sweet, i like it when it is not too sour and not too sweet so i would able to taste the papaya fruit itself. It is a free side dish when you order a lechon manok, liempo, pork lechon and grilled fish in a restaurant. It is a good appitizer for me.
@g3n3j0rd (721)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
Hmm...just thinking of the atsara makes my mouth water and I could almost taste the vinegar in the papaya, a typically Filipino acquired taste. I like it best with fried fish and lechon kawali. Umm...sarap!
@rogercarie (59)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
Atsara..I couldn't imagine eating smoked milkfish without atsara on the side. Its sweet and sour taste increases my appetite especially when you add pepper to it. Hmm.. makes me hungry!!
@warrior_777 (1392)
• Philippines
10 Oct 08
I'm also feeling hungry while I'm doing this post because aside from atsara I'm also thinking those foods grilled chicken or Liempo and barbeque. Wow..
I didn't try that bamboo shoo atsara yet but being cooked like atsara I know that is also delicious.. Thank you for sharing..
@mhae15 (744)
• Philippines
9 Oct 08
I love to eat atsara with fried chicken, and any fried fish.. I like atsara a little bit sweeter and I like it more if it is chilled.. My mom, always buy a bottle of atsara from her friend.. Atsara is my dad's favorite side dish for his grilled pork chop and barbecue.. Just like you, we always have a bottle of atsara in our refrigerator..
Happy mylotting my friend..
@gorgeousdreamer (1034)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
I am a Filipina and I also love atsara. Actually, I learned how to make it when I was in 5th grade because it is really my favorite dessert since I love to eat sweet and sour foods. But now, I rarely made Atsara because of my busy schedule. I don't like Atsara that are sold in the grocery or market I like home made better.
@lynettebyc (2416)
• China
9 Oct 08
I didn't know Atsara, but after reading this discussion, know a little bit. Thanks YOU for sharing
@belk89 (1103)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
I love atsara and as i am typing my answer i am already missing it!lol Now that i am here in the US it is hard for me to find that. I cant also find a raw papaya that i can use to make atsara. I miss the food in the phils and one of the things that i wanted to do next year when i visit my parents is eat atsara and other filipino dish that i miss! (".)
@denangelo (20)
• Philippines
9 Oct 08
yep....i love atchara its my grandma's specialty...everytime we have occassion my grandma make sure that she cook atchara for us.love it
@tryxiness (4544)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
I know atsara. Usually it is partnered with fried or roasted meat.
I remember last week when I was in Bacolod, in Chicken House they would serve Atsara together with the chicken, and it is quite yummy.
@ronacruz2007 (650)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
Yeah very much . You see my grandmother is very good in doing atsara. I mean not good but the best (promise). Whenever i went home i always have her cook atsara for me . I will eat it with anything fried or grilled. So yummy
@20021114476 (691)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
hmmm......... atsara.....? i dont like that.... i think it's disgusting....... it has a very distinct smell...... and it's making me feel like i gonna vomit.. sorry for those who love that food. any way, it's my comment.. duh?
@TrumataYadni (8)
• Philippines
8 Oct 08
I love to it atsara especially after eating oily dishes like pork!
@Grace030174 (741)
• Qatar
8 Oct 08
warrior.....very well said.! its one of my fave dessert.
here in qatar....i found one Filipino resto who makes atsara.....and i used to get their atsara.......FYi, its delicious...
not the same taste like my grandma's atsara but its good..
