Hi BCM,
Yes the spices are just placed in the vegetables loose. The turmeric does color it some, but that is part of the chow chow look.

Hi piecemaker,
I have made the pickled tomatoes before too. It is fun to share them with people how have never eaten them before. I like using the little tomatoes for this. Do you?

I read recently that turmeric is a wonderful medicine for throat cancer. Who knew?

Thanks RedGarnet222. Hope to try it next summer.