GREAT Achocha Relish/Pickle

I have found an incredible way to use up these achocha fruits.

 A few weeks back I posted about trying to make achocha jam. Which was tasty but still not quite what we were after when trying to find something t do with them (and had a weird consistency). 

So I decided that when the next batch ripened it was time to try for a pickle or a relish. I found a recipe online, then didn't really follow it!

They take a bit of time to prepare, but it was basically a cucumber recipe using achochas in their place. 

Here's the ingredient list that I used -

500g achocha pods 1 large shallot 1 sweet pepper 1 a red chilli, finely diced (mine was dried) 225ml of cider vinegar 100g granulated sugar 1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds (plus a bit ½ teaspoon of ground ginger

I brined the veg first for a few hours (they seem to hold a lot of moisture).

It's really simple from then on in, bring the vinegar and sugar to the boil, add in all the veg (and spices) and cook for 5 minutes before adding to sterilised jars. Seal and store. You could can these for long term storage, but I think they'll keep for a few months in our cool pantry over winter without it (all at your own risk).

It tasted amazing, like a really good burger relish. We all liked this, the achocha seem to work perfectly in it, no crunch like having cucumber in there, but the flavour is so good (the vinegar and sugar mix) that you don't miss it. 

Watch my video above for how I did it and to see the children's reaction to trying it. I promise they are always willing taste testers! 

Let me know what you think. Who wants to grow achochas now?