| Prep time: | 20 Min |
| Cook time: | 20 Min |
| Ready in: | 21 Days 40 Min |
| SERVINGS: |
| Original yield: 8 pints |
INGREDIENTS
* 4 pounds fresh young black walnuts
* 3/4 cup salt
* 4 cups malt vinegar
* 2 1/8 cups packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
DIRECTIONS
* Use rubber gloves to handle the young walnuts and pierce each one a few times with the tines of a fork. Watch out for the clear juice this produces. It stains a dark, espresso brown and is a natural dye. Place the walnuts into a bucket and fill with enough water to cover. Stir in 3/4 cup of salt to make a brine. Soak walnuts for 1 week, then drain and make the brine again. Soak for 1 more week.
* After the second week, drain the walnuts and lay them out on trays to dry in an airy place. In a couple of days they will turn black. Once they have all turned black, they are ready to pickle.
* In a large pot, stir together the malt vinegar, brown sugar, allspice, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Bring to a boil and then add the walnuts. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
* Spoon the walnuts into sterile jars and fill with the syrup to within 1/2 inch of the top. Seal with lids and rings. Store in the refrigerator or process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature and store in a cool dark place.
