Nigella's Christmas Chutney...can you eat it right away?

[Berrie]

Because when I've made chutney before I've had to store it to mature for a few months.

I think the book says to make two months in advance? I was planning on making some to give as pressies, thought I might be too late now. Anyone enlighten us please?

i made it and it was horrible and vinegary when it was first made but mellowed nad was lovely in about three / four weeks.

dunno what the recipe says about maturing but i remember thinking it was a complete waste and being nicely surprised about a month later.

oh and i used more sugar than she said.

It says "make it up to 2 months in advance (the longer it has to mature the better) blah blah blah store in a cool dark place for up to a year"

Think I might have left it too late then, drat!