What is Fitkari?

Fitkari is a Hindi name for Alum. Fitkari is used to improve firmness of the vegetables and fruits being picked making them crispy specially the Murabba

The Aluminum ions in the potassium based Alum combine with pectin strengthening the cell walls and more resistant to softening.

Alum is mildly toxic, high amounts can irritate skin, eyes, lungs, and cause gastrointestinal problems. Amount of 30 grams (1 ounce or two tablespoons) has been fount to be fatal. In United States, Alum is legal for use in making baking powders. In pickles, the amount should be less than 0.2 percent.

For Murabba, the vegetable/fruit may be soaked in a solution of '¼ teaspoon of Fitkari in two cups of water' for 12 hours.
After 12 hours, remove the vegetables from the solution. rinse and soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Repeat the rinsing and soaking steps in fresh water two more times.

Use only food-grade alum. (Douche alum is not food-grade.)