Using a food processor and working in batches as not to puree, chop the vegetables into fine pieces. Place in a non-reactive glass, ceramic or enamel bowl. Sprinkle the salt on top and work in using your hands to distribute thoroughly. Cover and chill 4 hours minimum or overnight.
In a large pot add the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns and celery seed. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Turn heat to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Drain vegetables in a colander and drain, pressing to extra juices. Do not rinse under water. Carefully add to the pot of brine and bring to a boil again. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring often.
Clean canning jars and lids with hot soapy water. Fill a large stockpot with enough water to cover your jars by 1-2 inches. Place your rack on the bottom of the pot and transfer to stovetop. Turn heat to medium and place your jars in the pot to keep them hot until ready to fill.
Carefully remove jars from hot water, shaking off excess water. Pour hot chow chow into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims of jars with a damp paper towel to remove any spill residue. Place a lid on the jar and screw a ring on until finger-tight.
Using the jar tongs, put the jars in the canner and keep them covered with at least 1 inch of water, keeping the water boiling. Process the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitudes (see below).
Remove the jars with the jar lifter and set the jars on a towel or cooling rack to cool. After coming to room temperature, make sure they are sealed by checking the center indentation is there (or you hear dit pop while cooling), or there is a high-pitched ringing sound when the lid is tapped with a metal spoon.
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year or keep opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.
Notes
Processing Altitude Times The processing times are for high acid foods based on canning at sea level to 1000 feet. When processing at higher altitudes, adjust the processing time according to the below times.Altitude in Feet >> Increase Processing Time1,001-3,000 ft above sea level = 5 min 3,001 - 6,000 ft above sea level = 10 min 6,001 - 8,000 ft above sea level = 15 min 8,001 - 10,000 ft above sea level = 20 minRemove jars from water bath and allow to cool completely and lids pop, letting you know they are sealed.