Pickling novice: help please!

[knowler]

Hello

I would like to give pickling a go this year but i am a bit put off by all the sterilising of jars, making a vacuum seal etc.

What exactly do you have to do?i understand that the jars obviously have to be clean and sterilized before you put the produce and pickling vinegar inside but what do you do then?the various jars that i was looking at in the shops today made a big thing out of checking that the jar is vacuum sealed. It is necessary and how do you do it?

also i am going to try pickling onions and red cabbage but what else would you recommend for a novice?

thanks!

Thanks polterghoul! I'll give it a go. What do you pickle?

I reuse jam jars too clean in the dishwasher then warm in the oven and boil the lids. As long as the seal is airtight the contents will be fine. I have made pickled, courgettes, beetroot and red cabbage (all in season still) but not done any onions yet. Must get a move on what wiv Christmas coming up an all .

If you run out of jam jars and can't beg and borrow go to Tesco and buy the cheapest Everday Value jam or lemon curd (22 pence). Chuck the contents and you have a cheap jar and lid.

Why not have a go at piccalilli or tomato chutney?

I vote for River Cottage and the BBC Good Food website has some nice recipes too link here

Thanks both, that's really helpful :)

I use the dishwasher for sterilising, put the jars in on a hot wash and do not open (dishwasher) until using them.

Try cauliflower as well as onions and I have a couple of chutney recipes you might like.

The last time I woke up in the mood to make chutney I had no jars, a call out to freecycle got me a box full all with lids.