VINEGAR MADE EASY
Interestingly the word vinegar is actually derived from the old French vin aigre, which means sour wine. But not all are made from grapes – they can be made from rice, barley and apples.
BALSAMIC VINEGAR
Traditionally crafted in Italy from unfiltered, unfermented grape juice, it boasts a dark brown color. Its price range varies greatly depending on its age; the older it gets, the sweeter and more syrupy it becomes. Utilize balsamic as a condiment for both savory recipes and desserts by drizzling it over dishes.
RED WINE VINEGAR
Derived from fermenting red wine, it offers a sharp taste, perfect for vinaigrettes and salad dressings. It also serves as an excellent marinade for meats.
WHITE WINE VINEGAR
Made from white wine, it offers a milder flavor compared to its red counterpart. It can be used interchangeably in recipes depending on the desired flavor profile, making it ideal for dishes where color preservation is essential.
DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR
Most commonly employed in commercial production, it is utilized in making pickles, ketchup, and bottled salad dressings. Crafted from fermented distilled alcohol, it possesses a strong flavor and finds utility beyond cooking, doubling as a cleaning agent.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Crafted from fermented pressed apples, it boasts a mellow flavor that enhances various recipes. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it adds a distinctive touch to dishes.
RICE VINEGAR
Commonly produced in China and Japan from fermented rice wine, it offers a sweeter taste compared to other wine vinegars. Less harsh than the distilled, it finds its place in Asian salad dressings and stir-frys.
MALT VINEGAR
Brewed from barley into beer before being fermented and aged briefly, it showcases a light brown color. Popular in England as a condiment for fish and chips, it offers a mellow flavor profile.
DID YOU KNOW?
While lemon and lime juices can substitute for red wine, white wine, apple cider, and rice wine vinegars, they cannot replicate the depth of flavor found in balsamic vinegar.