Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile liquid primarily composed of water and acetic acid, derived from the French term "vin aigre," which translates to "sour wine." This self-preserving product has been utilized for thousands of years and boasts an indefinite shelf life without the need for refrigeration. It is produced through the fermentation of sugars found in various ingredients, transforming them into acetic acid through two main processes: alcoholic fermentation by yeast, followed by acetic fermentation by specific bacteria.
There are numerous types of vinegar, including distilled white, apple cider, balsamic, and rice vinegar, each offering unique flavors and culinary uses. Distilled white vinegar is often employed in cooking and cleaning, while apple cider vinegar is popular for both culinary and health applications. Other varieties, like malt vinegar and rice vinegar, typically cater to specific cuisines and dishes. Additionally, vinegars can be infused with fruits or herbs to create flavored blends, further expanding their use in both the kitchen and beyond.
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Vinegar
Vinegar, derived from the French word vin aigre, which means "sour wine," is a multipurpose, self-preserving liquid mostly made from water and acetic acid. It has been made and used for thousands of years.
Vinegar is made by turning fermented (alcoholic) ingredients into acetic acid and comes in many varieties. It has an infinite shelf life, even after it has been opened, and does not require refrigeration. It can be used for many purposes such as cleaning, disinfecting, cooking, health, and beauty.
How Vinegar Is Made
Numerous types and flavors of vinegars exist because vinegar can be made with just about anything containing sugar. The sugar is turned into acetic acid in two processes. The first process is called alcoholic fermentation, which occurs when yeast changes sugars into alcohol. The second process is called acetic fermentation, or acid fermentation, which occurs when the bacteria (also called acetobacter) converts alcohol to acid. Vinegar contains vitamins such as riboflavin and Vitamin B-1 as well as salts that affect its properties and flavor. Many factors, such as timing and the presence of proper bacteria cultures, are important to the vinegar-making process.
Different Types
Some common types of vinegar include distilled white, apple cider, white or red wine, rice, balsamic, malt, and sugar cane. These can be flavored with fruits such as pineapple and raspberry or seasoned with herbs such as garlic or tarragon. Flavors and varieties of vinegars may be combined to create blends.
Distilled white vinegar, which is also called spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain into distilled alcohol. It is a popular multipurpose solution used in cooking, cleaning, and more. Apple cider vinegar, which is made from apples or other fruits, is an all-purpose vinegar that is used in many cooking recipes and for cleaning and health purposes. Both distilled white and apple cider vinegar also can be made from corn.
White wine and red wine vinegars, which are popular in cooking and used to make items such as salad dressings, are made from the juice of grapes. Malt vinegar, which is a popular condiment for fish and chips, is made from the fermentation of barley malt or other cereals in a process that converts starch to maltose. Sugar cane vinegar is made from sugar, syrup, or molasses. It has a sweet flavor and is used in many cooking recipes or as the base for other sweet-flavored vinegars.
Rice or rice wine vinegar is made from the sugars of rice without distillation. They can be seasoned or flavored and are mostly used in Asian cooking. Balsamic vinegar, also popular in cooking and a favorite ingredient in many salad dressings and marinades, is made from the juice of grapes that is sometimes made from alcoholic and acetic fermentation and subjected to heating to concentrate the product.
Bibliography
"Food Encyclopedia: Vinegar." Food Network. Television Food Network G.P. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/vinegar/index.html
"Frequently Asked Questions." Vinegar Institute. Vinegar Institute. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. http://www.versatilevinegar.org/faqs.html
"95+ Household Uses for Vinegar." Reader's Digest. Trusted Media Brands, Inc. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/150-household-uses-for-vinegar/
"The Origin of Vinegar." Les Assaisonnements Briards. Moutarde de Meaux. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. http://www.moutarde-de-meaux.com/en/histo-origine-vinaigre.php
"Vinegar Guide." Heinz Vinegar. H.J. Heinz Company, L.P. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. http://www.heinzvinegar.com/infoGraphic/Heinz‗Vinegar‗Infographic.pdf