Nasturtium Capers ~ Poor Man's Capers

Step 1: Pick the nasturtium pods, pick out any leaves or flower bits, then give the seeds a good rinse in cold water to remove any dirt, the dunk them in a bowl of cold water and let any flower bits left will float to the top.

Step 2: In a small bowl or jar put 2 cups of water and the salt, give a good stir & whisk or stir to dissolve the salt.; add in the pods and allow the pods to sit overnight in the salt brine, (this is to draw out any bitter taste the pods may have) leaving overnight.

Step 3: The next day, strain the pods and rinse.

Step 4: Using a small saucepan add the vinegar, 3/4 of a cup of water, bay leaf, peppercorn's and sugar, stir dissolving the sugar completely, over low heat and bring to slow simmer, simmer for a minute and if sugar is dissolved remove the pan from heat.

Step 5: Use a clean sterilized preserving jar (judge the size by how many pods you have), place in the nasturtium pods and completely cover with the hot vinegar brine. Note" I like to place a metal spoon in the jar when doing this, as the spoon will take any excess heat and jar is less likely to crack).

Step 6: Seal and allow the pods to cool.

Step 7: These can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 months.