Pickled Lilly pilly

Directions

1. There are many varieties of Lilly Pilly in shades varying from this vibrant magenta to blue right through to cherry red. Australia has around 48 species. The tart little fruit has hints of clove and granny smith apple and when eaten fresh is like a tiny burst of apple pie filling (before the sugar is added of course). Eat them fresh, cooked, pickled or preserved. They can also be stored in the freezer but will lose their colour when thawed out or cooked (sadly because isn’t it stunning). Aside from fresh in salads and desserts, I love them pickled so that I can use them for months post their short season. They do have tiny seeds in them but are edible and give some texture.
2. Begin by sterilising your jars. You can simply do this by washing them in hot soapy water then rinsing and placing open side up onto a tray in an oven set to 100.C. Keep your lids aside until later. Leave the jars in the oven until ready to fill.
3. Into a small saucepan place all of the ingredients except for the Lilly Pilly.
4. Slowly bring to the boil, stirring the sugar until fully dissolved before the temperature gets too hot.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes so the flavours can infuse.
6. Place the jar lids into a small saucepan of water and bring to a boil.
7. Turn off the heat and remove the jars from the oven with an oven mitt.
8. Place the fruit into the jars with some cinnamon and bay leaves as decorations in the jar intermittently.
9. Fill the jar with the hot pickling liquid leaving about 1 cm head space.
10. Remove the lids one at a time from the boiling water and place onto a paper towel.
11. Dry the lids thoroughly and place them onto the jars tightly.
12. If you are using the water bath method, fingertip tightly and process for ten minutes (not necessary but totally welcome).
13. Store in a cool dark place for a month or two before eating and up to two years. The longer the better. Store in the fridge once open and they will lose their colour in the jar.