Jamaican Pickled <br>Pepper Jar
Wha Wi Ago Need
- Empty 16 oz. mason jar
- 12 oz apple cider vinegar (reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
- 6 whole pimento seeds (allspice berries)
- (cancer-fighting, antiviral, anti-inflammatory)
- 3 sprigs of thyme
- 1-3 Jamaica Peppers (Scotch Bonnet).
- sub: Habanero (provitamin A and vitamin C)
- 1 whole head of garlic - peeled and gently crushed
- (helps prevent flu, colds + heart healthy)
- 1/2 cup onion or scallion or leek, largely chopped
- (anti-microbial food +anti-inflammatory)
- 3 slices of fresh ginger (anti-inflammatory & anti-nausea)
- 1 carrot or jicama, sliced lengthwise (minerals, and beneficial fiber)
- 1/4 chayote, sliced (if have) (anticancer properties & slow visible signs of aging)
My Jamaican grandfather, a descendant of Tainos, refused any meals without a jar at the ready. He used a 1/4 tsp atop his food and would eat a small piece of the pepper & veg from the jar with food as well. He swore hot peppers were the fountain of youth!
Mek Wi Dweet
- Fermented foods are essential to gut health
- Vinegar is a common base for deliciously tangy & healthful condiments
- gently heat vinegar on stove top to almost boiling
- add all prepped items to your jar
- top the jar with hot vinegar to above the ingredients
- let cool to warm
- close top and label it with date
- wash hands throughly (pepper warning!)
- keep refrigerated and use often
PRO TIP: Excellent as an add in for authentic Jamaican dishes like curry, stews and soups while cooking. A little goes a long way so add just a dash then taste to see if you want more. As my Jamaican grandmother taught me in her kitchen, “Yuh can always add more in but you cyaan tek it back out.” Ha!
