Assemble in a clean glass quart jar :
1 lb kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and cut into batons (as pictured below) or shreds
4 oz onion, peeled and cut into thick slices
1 star anise, whole
2-3 hot chinese dried chiles or 2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp whole mustard seed
1/2 tsp whole sichuan peppercorns
Heat in a small saucepan until sugar and salt are dissolved :
2 cups vinegar (see notes below, a mix of vinegars is best)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
While still hot, pour the vinegar-sugar-salt solution into the glass jar. Allow to sit until cool, then cover with a cap and refrigerate. Ready to eat in 24 hours, best after three or more days.