Pickled cornelian cherries

Pickled Cornelian Cherries - A Seasonal Delicacy

Cornelian cherries, those tiny juicy and aromatic fruits, are a true treasure of summer. With a sweet-and-sour taste, they are perfect for pickling, transforming into a delicious accompaniment for various dishes or even a creamy snack. In this recipe, we will explore together the necessary steps to obtain the most delicious pickled cornelian cherries, as well as some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking/Sterilization time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars (approximately 1 liter each)

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh cornelian cherries
- 500 ml water
- 500 ml vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar)

A Bit of History

Pickled foods have a long history, having been used over time as a method of food preservation. This practice was essential to ensure a food source during the winter. Cornelian cherries, due to their natural acidity, are perfectly suited for this process, retaining their flavors and nutrients. Thus, we not only enjoy a tasty dish but also reconnect with culinary tradition.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Pickled Cornelian Cherries

1. Preparing the cornelian cherries:
- Start by washing the cornelian cherries under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities. It is important to choose fresh and firm cherries, free of spots or bruises.

2. Sterilizing the jars:
- Sterilize the jars and lids. I recommend the oven method: preheat it to 150°C and place the cleaned jars on a tray. Leave them for 20 minutes, then let them cool. This step is essential to prevent bacterial growth.

3. Preparing the vinegar solution:
- In a pot, add 500 ml of water and 500 ml of vinegar. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the strong aroma of the vinegar that will enter your cornelian cherries.

4. Filling the jars:
- Once the solution has boiled, take the jars and fill them with cornelian cherries. Make sure to arrange them well, leaving no empty spaces. You can add some spices like peppercorns or bay leaves for an extra flavor boost.

5. Pouring the solution over the cornelian cherries:
- Carefully pour the hot vinegar and water solution over the cherries, ensuring that the fruits are completely covered. Leave a small space of about 1 cm between the liquid and the lid to allow for expansion.

6. Sealing the jars:
- Close the jars with the sterilized lids. Make sure they are tightly sealed so that no air can enter.

7. Cooling the jars:
- Wrap the jars in a thick blanket. This step will help maintain the high temperature and ensure even fermentation. Let them cool completely (about 24 hours) before storing.

8. Storing:
- After the jars have cooled completely, move them to a pantry in a dark and cool place. The pickled cornelian cherries will be ready to consume after a few weeks, but they are best enjoyed after 1-2 months when the flavors have melded.

Useful Tips
- You can add sugar to the pickling solution if you prefer a sweeter note. A ratio of 1:1:1 (water, vinegar, sugar) can provide an interesting result.
- If you like spices, experiment with star anise, cloves, or cinnamon to customize the flavor of your pickled cornelian cherries.
- Make sure the jars are well sealed. Any remaining air can lead to spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
- Absolutely! The recipe is versatile and can be applied to many other fruits, such as apricots or plums.

2. How long can I keep pickled cornelian cherries?
- If stored properly, pickled cornelian cherries can last up to 1 year.

3. How can I use pickled cornelian cherries?
- They are excellent as a side dish for meat dishes, in salads, or even as an ingredient in sandwiches. You can serve them alongside cheeses or add them to appetizer platters.

4. What drinks pair well with pickled cornelian cherries?
- A refreshing drink, like iced tea or a gin cocktail, will pair perfectly with the tart taste of the cornelian cherries.

Nutritional Benefits
Cornelian cherries are a good source of vitamin C and fiber. These fruits aid digestion and can help strengthen the immune system. Pickling them not only preserves them but can also enhance their nutritional profile.

Possible Variations
- If you like a spicier taste, add hot peppers to the jars.
- Replace the vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a more complex and deeper flavor.

Cooking is both an art and a science, and experimenting with recipes like pickled cornelian cherries will help you learn and enjoy a varied palette of flavors. So embrace this process and let your imagination run wild!