Vinegar is a staple pantry item for many cooks. Every now and then, a recipe will call for vinegar. Usually, white vinegar. Although, I feel like many of us can attest that we don't use white vinegar in our cooking daily. White vinegar is sharp, but there are many types of vinegar with sweet flavors that we can begin using quite often in our food.
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These types of vinegar will add a lot of sweet or sour flavoring to your meals. Trust me, you won't be using these kinds of vinegar for making DIY house cleaner or hair masks. Next time you take a trip to the grocery store, be sure to pick up a bottle of vinegar that's new to your style of cooking.
What is Vinegar?
Vinegar is a solution of acetic acids, water, and numerous chemicals. Vinegar is made through the process of fermentation. The fermenting process breaks alcohol down to acetic acid, making vinegar.
Many people like to make homemade vinegar with wine or beer.
How to Make Homemade Vinegar
Types of Vinegar
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar is the kind we all know and love. I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my coffee maker and as a base for a DIY surface cleaner. It's also an ingredient in our favorite condiments and dipping sauces, like ketchup and barbecue sauce.
White vinegar is also used for pickling. Making homemade pickles is fun, but have you tried pickling Brussel sprouts? Yum!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar gained prominence for its health benefits many years ago. Its anti-bacterial properties make it an excellent substitute for household cleaner and sunburn remedy.
Some even use it as a base in DIY skincare. It has also been said that it can suppress weight gain, resulting in weight loss. For an extra kick of flavor, consider apple cider vinegar in your homemade salad dressings.
3. White Wine Vinegar
Now that you know that vinegar is made from alcohol, it makes sense that wine vinegar exists. If you have a love for white wine (I know I do), then you may sway towards white wine vinegar.
White wine vinegar is often used in marinades. As much as I love white wine, I can't forget about my other love, red wine. Which is why I'm excited red wine vinegar exists.
4. Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is used in chicken and beef recipes, and many Italian dishes. Vinegar aids in the sour taste, but the red wine adds the perfect balance of sweet flavoring.
You can't go wrong with red wine vinegar. Consider using it for your vinaigrettes and barbecue sauces.
5. Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is used in Asian dishes. If you love making stir-fry, consider using rice vinegar instead of distilled white vinegar.
Next time you make homemade sushi, have this kind of vinegar ready.
6. Malt Vinegar
Alright beer lovers, here's the vinegar for you. Malt vinegar is fermented from beer (or brewing grains), giving it a unique flavor.
It's often used in seafood dishes.
7. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is similar to wine vinegar. Although, it's not made from wine. The process is very similar, though. This popular vinegar is made from grape pressings and is aged in oak barrels.
Colavita's vinegar is a certified product of Modena, Italy. Give it a try!
8. Napa Valley Naturals Champagne Vinegar, 12.7 oz (2-Pack)
To no surprise, champagne vinegar is made from Chardonnay grapes.
This vinegar is often used to prepare marinades and fish. I love how it's packaged in a wine bottle.
