Vinegar is an acid product that is made from the fermentation of different types of liquids, such as wine, cider or even fruit juice. It is used as a condiment in many kitchens around the world and can also be used to clean and disinfect.
The different types of vinegar
There are different types of vinegars you can make at home. Balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar made from grape must. Cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. Finally, wine vinegar is a product obtained after fermentation of the wine. Each of these vinegars has its own characteristics and flavours.
Apple cider vinegar : It’s a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It tastes sweeter than balsamic vinegar and goes well with meat or fish dishes. Cider vinegar can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients and steps.
Balsamic vinegar : is a very special vinegar, produced exclusively in the region of Modena in Italy. It is made from the must of grapes cooked and fermented, and is then kept in oak barrels for several years. This gives it its unique and intense character. It is one of the most popular.
Wine vinegar is a tasty and versatile condiment that can be used in a multitude of recipes in the kitchen or as a seasoning. It is easy to make yourself and requires only a few basic ingredients. Red wine vinegar has a dark ruby hue and an acrid flavor. It is popular in French and Italian cuisines and is often used in dressings, sauces and marinades.
White vinegar is a natural product that can be used for many things like cleaning, disinfecting and even cooking. It is also cheap and easy to make yourself !
Sherry vinegar : Sherry vinegar is a very popular condiment in Spain. It is made from white wine and sherry, a dry sherry. Sherry vinegar has a sweeter flavor than other vinegars and is often used in salads and sauces.
Equipment required to make vinegar at home
To make your own vinegar, you need a glass container (preferably half a litre or a litre), a waterproof stopper (to prevent insects and other pests from getting in), a funnel, unfiltered wine or cider (preferably organic) and time. Vinegar is made through alcoholic fermentation conducted by acetic bacteria. These bacteria occur naturally on grapes and must, but they may be eliminated by the wine filtration process. This is why it is important to use unfiltered wine. You can also take fruits, herbs and spices to flavour your vinegar.
Even simpler, invest in a vinaigrier. This is a container in which white or red wine is poured. The vinaigrier must be placed in a cool and dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks. During this period, the wine transforms into acetic acid thanks to the action of bacteria in the air.
The vinegar recipes
If you want to make your own vinegar, visit our bloggers' recipes. You will find recipes and tips for successful production.
It suddenly seems like Autumn, which means tons of blackberries in the hedges – I managed to get a small harvest from our neighbours’ bush that hangs over into our garden (shh!), but no…
Plum Vinegar from Scratch is Italian Crema di Aceto di Prugna, homemade fruit vinegar, creamy thick fresh fruit condiment and salad dressing, perfect recipe to satisfy even the most demanding Epicureans!
