In its homeland, a chutney is often made to be eaten fresh, using whatever suitable strongly flavoured ingredients are locally traditional or available at the time. It would not normally contain preserving agents, since it is intended to be consumed soon after preparation.
Chutney is more familiar in North America and Europe in a form that can be stored.
Typical main ingredients include one or more tropical or sub-tropical fruits such as mango or lime. Chilis are also commonly used, either on their own, or to add fieriness to the other ingredients.
Vegetable oil, vinegar or lemon juice are used to enhance the keeping properties. Flavourings are always added to the mix. These may include sugar, salt, garlic, tamarind or ginger.
Spices most commonly include fenugreek, coriander, cumin and hing (asafoetida).
In temperate countries, "chutneys" are sometime made using local main ingredients such as appless, peaches or tomatoes.