Pickled Green Walnuts

From Green Walnuts

 

 

My favorite way to enjoy these pickles is on crostini with a sharp cheese, such as cheddar. Garnish with fresh herb, such as chervil, for a bit of brightness.

Yields about 2 quarts.

  • 30 green walnuts
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 1 quart water
  • 1 quart apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dark molasses
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries
  • 5 cloves

Wash a half-gallon jar well with hot soapy water, rinse, and air dry.

Add salt and water to jar and stir to dissolve the salt. Stab each walnut with a fork a few times to help the brine penetrate the flesh, then submerge and let them ferment for 10 days at room temperature.
Remove walnuts from the brine, place them on a baking sheet or other tray, and let them sit in the sun for 24 to 48 hours, or until they turn completely black.

Wash 2 quart jars well with hot soapy water, rinse, and air dry. Divide the walnuts evenly into these jars. Bring the vinegar, sugar, molasses, and spices to a boil then pour over the walnuts. Try to leave little headspace in the jars (if you need more liquid, add a bit more vinegar). Seal jars and let rest in a cool, dark place for at least a month.

Pickles can be eaten for up to 1 year.

 

These inky colored pickled green walnuts bring intense flavor and color to any tasting table.