Filipino Atchara (Pickled Green Papaya)

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1Wash five pint jars in hot soapy water or the dishwasher, keep them hot, boiling 10 minutes first if processing under 10 minutes, and simmer new lids per the manufacturer's instructions.
2. 2Shred the green papaya and carrot, toss with 2 tablespoons salt, let stand 30 minutes to draw out liquid, then squeeze out the excess moisture firmly with your hands and rinse briefly.
3. 3In a stainless steel pot, bring 2 cups vinegar, 1 cup sugar, and the peppercorns to a full rolling boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
4. 4Pack the drained papaya and carrot into the hot jars along with the red bell pepper, raisins, garlic, and ginger, distributing evenly.
5. 5Pour the boiling brine over the vegetables, keeping them submerged and leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
6. 6Remove air bubbles, top off with brine to keep 1/2 inch headspace, wipe the rims clean, center the lids, and apply bands fingertip-tight.
7. 7Process pints for 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner with jars covered by 1 to 2 inches of water, timed from a full rolling boil, adding 5 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 10 minutes at 3,001-6,000 feet, or 15 minutes above 6,000 feet.
8. 8Let the jars sit in the turned-off canner 5 minutes, then move to a towel-lined counter and cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
9. 9Confirm each lid has sealed, remove the bands, and label with contents and date.
10. 10Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year; flavor improves after resting 1 to 2 weeks; refrigerate after opening.
11. 11Do not skip the salting-and-draining step or dilute the vinegar, as both the reduced moisture and full acid strength keep this pickle safely shelf-stable.