Pickled Red Cabbage

This is a family favourite recipe passed to me by Jo Finn on behalf of her sister at the preserving demo in October.

Ingredients:
1 firm red cabbage (2 and a half to 3 lbs in weight)
half a pound of coarse salt
three quarters to a pint of spiced vinegar
(notes not included, but this can be made by simmering your chosen spices in the vinegar for around 5 minutes and then straining prior to use)

Discard any discoloured outer leaves and hard stem, and then cut cabbage into fine shreds.

Put layers of shredded cabbage and salt into a large bowl finishing with a layer of salt.

Leave for 24 hours.

Rinse salt off well with cold water and then drain thoroughly.

Pack into jars to within 1 inch of the top, cover with cold spiced vinegar to within half an inch of the top.

Seal and store for at least one week before using.

Use within 2 or 3 months or the crispness will be lost if left for longer.