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Loquat Chutney

Prep Time 30 minutes
Fermentation Time 4 days
Course condiment
Cuisine Indian
Makes 1 quart/liter

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) fresh loquats
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) raisins (any variety)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml or 40 g) raw honey
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 fresh jalapeño or other chile pepper, optional
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) sea salt
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) pickle or sauerkraut brine, or lemon juice, vinegar, or kombucha
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) black, white, or mixed peppercorns

Instructions
 

Prepare

  • Rinse loquats to remove dirt & dust. Separate seeds from flesh (I keep the membranes and flower end, but you can remove those if you don't like the texture.) Discard or compost seeds.
  • Break down the flesh by cutting into small pieces. You could also pulse them in a food processor or with a stick blender, but I found that crushing them with a potato masher a few times in the pot works fine to help break them down.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid cooks out. Let cool.
  • To a mason jar, add cooled loquats.
  • Add honey, vinegar/brine, lemon juice/kombucha to a wide-mouth quart-sized mason jar.
  • Chop raisins and add to jar.
  • Add diced fruit to jar.
  • Mince garlic and add to jar.
  • If using jalapeño, cut top off, then lengthwise in half. Remove seeds and membranes with a knife, or leave in for a hotter chutney. Mince pepper and add to jar.
  • Crush or crack peppercorns or leave whole, adding to jar.
  • Stir together well.

Ferment

  • Secure ring and lid on jar.
  • Leave in a warm spot in your kitchen. "Burp" the jar every day or so to release the CO2 buildup pressure.
  • After a few days, you should see bubbles form, letting you know that fermentation is underway. Stir contents together.
  • Taste! When you’re happy with how tangy it tastes, tighten lid and store in refrigerator.
  • Contents may separate from liquid. Stir before using.
  • Keeps up to a month in refrigerator.