Pickling spice mix

Typical of and particular to English cooking, this pickling spice mix is used to flavour preserved meats, vegetables and fruit. Blends vary greatly according to who makes them, and mixes are readily available on the retail shelf. The spices are cooked into a vinegar solution that is then used as a flavouring or poured over the items to be preserved. The spices are usually left whole to ensure subtlety of flavour.