Round Plum Pickle with Mustard Oil

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Round plums (cool), perfectly ripe (Use perfectly ripe fruit that natives call 'cool')
• 3 tablespoons Salt (For sprinkling and additional seasoning)
• 10 cloves Garlic, whole cloves, peeled (Adjust to taste)
• 6 whole Green chilies, whole or fresh red chilies (Can substitute with fresh red chilies)
• 2 inches Fresh ginger, sliced (Peeled and sliced into thin pieces)
• 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns, whole
• 2 tablespoons Mustard seed, ground (Freshly ground preferred)
• 2 cups White vinegar or malt vinegar (Enough to fill bottles)
• 0.25 cup Mustard oil (To float on top, about 1/8 inch thick layer)

Instructions

1. 1Place the perfectly ripe round plums into a damp cloth and roll them about gently to remove all dust and debris from the surface.
2. 2Sprinkle the cleaned plums generously with salt and place them in a clean tray or dish. Stand them in direct sunlight for 3 to 4 days, turning occasionally to ensure even exposure.
3. 3After sun-drying, drain away all the water that has been released from the plums. Pat them dry gently if needed.
4. 4Peel the garlic cloves, slice the fresh ginger into thin pieces, and prepare the green or red chilies. Have the peppercorns and ground mustard seed ready.
5. 5In clean, sterilized glass bottles or jars, layer the drained plums alternately with garlic cloves, green or red chilies, sliced ginger, peppercorns, and ground mustard seed. Add a little additional salt between layers.
6. 6Fill the bottles with vinegar, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Ensure all plums and spices are completely submerged in the vinegar.
7. 7Carefully pour mustard oil over the vinegar, allowing it to float on the surface. The oil layer should be about 1/8 inch thick, creating a protective seal.
8. 8Cork or seal the bottles tightly and expose them to direct sunlight for 15 to 20 days. The pickle will mature and develop its flavors during this time.
9. 9After the sun-curing period, the pickle is ready to eat. Store in a cool, dark place. The pickle will keep for several months. Serve as a condiment with meals.