The Epicure's Almanac or Diary of Good Living
September 11th : BIRDS EYE, OR CHILE VINEGAR
This is the best season for procuring the small capsicums, called Bird's eye, they will be found in abundance in Covent Garden Market. I recommend your purchasing enough to fill half a dozen bottles, as Chile vinegar is justly a favourite addition, not only to fish, but cold meat, hashes, stews, and many made dishes. Fill your bottles, which should be open-mouthed, with as many peppers as they will hold; then pour in the best white wine vinegar, cork down tightly, and set them on the hob for at least ten days. At the end of that time, this piquante vinegar will be ready for use, but it is much improved by age.