Maesiljangajji || Pickled Green Plum, 青梅酱菜, 青梅醬菜, 梅の漬物, 매실장아찌 1

Maesiljangajji is a popular Korean pickle made from green plums, also known as maesil. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from salads to sauces.

Ingredients:

• Green plums (maesil): 2 kg
• Coarse salt: 500g
• Perilla leaves (optional): 400g
• Soju (Korean distilled spirit): a small amount
• Daikon radish: 1/4 piece
• Pine needles: a small amount
• Sugar: 200g
• Rice vinegar: 100ml
• Soy sauce: 50ml
• Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 inch piece, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Plums:
   • Wash the green plums thoroughly and remove the stems.
   • Cut a cross into each plum.
   • Soak the plums in a salt water solution (salt and water) for a few hours to remove excess moisture and bitterness.
   • Rinse the plums and remove the stems completely.
2. Make the Brine:
   • In a pot, combine sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
   • Bring to a boil, then let it cool completely.
3. Sterilize the Jar:
   • Sterilize a glass jar with boiling water.
4. Layer the Plums:
   • Place a layer of plums in the sterilized jar.
   • Sprinkle a layer of salt over the plums.
   • Repeat this process until all the plums and salt are used up.
   • Cover the top layer with pine needles and perilla leaves.
5. Pour the Brine:
   • Pour the cooled brine over the plums, making sure they are completely submerged.
6. Seal and Ferment:
   • Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.

Tips:

• Adjust the sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the brine by adding more or less sugar.
• Add other flavors: For additional flavor, consider adding other ingredients like chili peppers, cinnamon sticks, or star anise to the brine.
• Storage: Once fermented, store the pickled plums in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Maesiljangajji is a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various dishes. It’s a great way to preserve the flavor of green plums and add a tangy, sweet, and slightly sour flavor to your meals.