Sterilise your jar: rinse the jar and lid well with hot water and then put them in a 120°C oven for 10 minutes, or boil them in a pan of water for 5 minutes. Then drain them upside down on a clean tea towel.

Pick fresh magnolia petals. Choose flowers that are fully open just before they fall out.

Tear the petals into pieces and fill your pot with them.

Pour apple or rice vinegar over the petals until they are completely submerged.

Leave to infuse for 24 hours at room temperature. You can also leave it a day longer for a more intense flavour.

Strain out the petals. Don't throw them away: you can still use them in a salad.

Pour the magnolia vinegar into a clean bottle and store in a cool, dark place.

Tip: Are you using a pot with a metal screw-on lid? Then place a layer of brown, unbleached baking paper between the metal lid and the pot to prevent rusting.

Note: only pick from magnolias that have not been sprayed and are not directly next to a busy road.