Vinegar is a product made from fermentation.. It is a liquid that produces a certain amount of alcohol during this process, although when we consume it, it no longer has any. For many years this product was obtained sporadically from wine which, voluntarily or involuntarily, could turn sour.
With time, the multiple uses of vinegar were discovered, which are not limited to the field of gastronomy. Although it is a product suitable for human consumption, some types of vinegar have other uses thanks to its characteristics.
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The 6 types of vinegar (and their characteristics).
It is believed that the origin of vinegar is due to the process that underwent the wine stored in the cellar.. It was discovered that the wine underwent changes if it was in contact with oxygen, and over time the product was perfected. Generally, the maturation phase of vinegar can take up to 6 months.
Several recognized varieties of this product have been developed around the world. Most of them are widely used in the gastronomy of different countries, some being highly appreciated for their characteristics. The different types of vinegar are shown below.
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1. White vinegar
White vinegar is one of the best known types of vinegar.. It is obtained from the fermentation of pure cane alcohol. White vinegar has the strongest flavor of all vinegar varieties and is therefore sold very diluted.
Although white vinegar is used in gastronomy mainly as a dressing and for preserves, its most frequent use is in household tasks. Due to its origin, it is one of the least delicate types of vinegar in its aroma.
It can be used to wash colored clothes and restore the intensity to the tones. It can also be used to clean bathroom furniture, and combined with hot water can remove traces of glue. If rusty objects are immersed in white vinegar it is possible to clean them to make them look as good as new.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used vinegar in the European kitchen.. Its elaboration is made from the fermentation of the apple in cider, reason why in some places it is known as cider vinegar.
It is widely used as a salad dressing and to prepare vinaigrettes, although it also has multiple uses for household and personal care. Apple cider vinegar can be used to clean surfaces such as the bathroom and to remove odors from carpets.
Another use of apple cider vinegar is in skin care. Applying a mask every night helps reduce acne and sun spots. It is also excellent if you wash your hair with a splash of apple cider vinegar, leaving it shiny and silky.
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3. Wine vinegar
It is said that wine vinegar is the most common of all types of vinegar.. This vinegar has not gone through the maturation phase that the preparation of vinegars usually takes. However, this fact does not detract from its quality, and it is one of the most widely used vinegars.
The first vinegars were the most similar to this type. It is widely used in cooking, especially in vinaigrettes, and it is for this reason that it is one of the most widely produced vinegars in the world.
Its uses also extend to home care and personal care, but a curious use of wine vinegar is that it can be used with paint. It allows for greater adhesion, so it can be used as a sealer before applying paint. It can also be sprayed on plants to prevent pests.
4. Balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar or Modena vinegar is made from sweetened grapes.. The real balsamic vinegar has a maturation phase that goes from 12 to 25 years, some of them up to 40 years. That is why its cost is much higher than the rest of vinegars, although there are cheaper versions.
This type of vinegar is dark in color and has a strong flavor. It is the protagonist of Italian cuisine, widely used in vinaigrettes and even in some dessert recipes. It is a vinegar that is used more in gastronomy, although it also has other uses.
Adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar to dogs’ water can eliminate ticks and fleas. It is also used as a hair conditioner and facial mask, as well as for use after shaving.
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5. Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar is mild and is obtained from the fermentation of rice.. It is the only vinegar used in traditional Japanese cuisine, and serves to season various dishes such as sushi and steamed vegetables.
Its acidity level is similar to apple cider vinegar, and its flavor is similar to white vinegar although milder. Its use is much more common for food and it also has many health benefits.
Regular consumption of this type of vinegar improves the immune system thanks to the amino acids it contains. In addition, it helps to reduce premature aging, improves the ability to absorb nutrients and takes care of the bacterial flora.
6. Sherry Vinegar
The taste of sherry vinegar is stronger than that of wine itself.. It is made exclusively from the production of wines from Jerez, the Spanish municipality located in the province of Cadiz. It is dark in color, with a strong aroma and flavor, and the woody taste it acquires during its maturation is easily perceived.
There are three types of sherry vinegar depending on the time spent in the maturation phase. Aging can last 6 months, 2 years or 10 years (although there are some with an even longer maturation).
Sherry vinegar is commonly used in gastronomy. It is an essential product in Spanish cuisine, especially in the south of Spain. It can be used in desserts and fruits, and in fact it can also be used in other ways like the rest of the wines.
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