Vinegar is a clear liquid with a sour taste, usually a solution of acetic acid of varying concentrations. It’s hard to say which is older – vinegar or wine. One thing is absolutely certain: vinegar, like wine, has been used by humans since time immemorial, and not only in cooking. It is still used today as a spice, seasoning, disinfectant and even a cleaning agent.

Synthetic or natural?

Vinegar is obtained either synthetically or by fermenting natural alcohol-containing liquids - wines, must, honey, juice, etc. Synthetic vinegar is made from gas and waste from the wood industry. It is cheap, but lacks a specific aroma, and is more suitable for non-food use. For many years in Soviet Russia, table vinegar was a vinegar essence diluted to a certain percentage, obtained chemically, and there were few fans of such a seasoning.

Today in Russia the culture of using vinegar is being revived, and more and more often our kitchen cabinets are decorated with multi-colored bottles with a variety of vinegars of natural origin. Natural vinegar is more expensive than synthetic vinegar and is produced by fermentation. The optimal set of conditions for fermentation is: access to oxygen, a sufficiently high temperature (about 30°C) and not too much

high concentration of ethanol in the fermentation liquid. In such conditions, acetic acid bacteria feel their best and actively multiply. Natural vinegar contains a whole bunch of different acids, esters, alcohols and aldehydes, so it has a delicate aroma and taste.

What is vinegar like?

In the US, a liquid can be called vinegar if it contains at least 4% acetic acid. In Russia, the qualities and types of natural vinegars are regulated by GOSTs, which manufacturers are guided by. Vinegars in our country are divided into alcohol vinegar, flavored alcohol vinegar, apple vinegar and wine vinegar. But in fact, there are many more types of vinegars in the world.

There is a large group of fruit vinegars, of which apple cider vinegar is the most famous. Apple vinegar covered in legends. Young ladies who dream of losing weight consider apple cider vinegar to be the key to marshmallow slimness, and drink liters of it. But, although apple cider vinegar contains a lot of useful substances, it should not be consumed uncontrollably. This vinegar is made from apple juice (cider). It is not as strong as other types of vinegar and has a delicate flavor. In cooking, it serves as a seasoning for poultry and fish dishes, and is used as a marinade and acidifier for fruit compotes. Raspberries, quince, black currants and even tomatoes are also good as a base for vinegar. In New Zealand, for example, kiwi fruits are used to make vinegar, and in South Korea, persimmons are used.

Vinegar popular in countries where winemaking is developed. Vinegar obtained from red wine is considered a classic and is used for salad dressings, as a marinade and as a component of many sauces. According to legend, it was red vinegar that saved four thieves from the plague during the Dark Middle Ages. Vinegar made from white wine is lighter than red wine. It is often used instead of wine in cooking and is suitable for enhancing the taste of watermelons, melons and strawberries. Wine vinegars are very popular in France. In Spain, there is its own type of wine vinegar - sherry vinegar, which has a sweetish taste. And in Turkey they make soft wine vinegar from raisins.

Rice vinegar loved in the East, especially in Southeast Asia. Moreover, rice vinegar comes in white, red and black. In Japan, light white rice vinegar is used to dress salads and season sushi. The Chinese prefer strong black vinegar, ideal for meat dishes. Sweetened red rice vinegar is used in seafood dishes.

Cane vinegar– a product of fermentation of syrup obtained from sugar cane. This type of vinegar is most widespread in the Philippines. Cane vinegar is sweet and sour, so it is good with fried and stewed pork, fish and poultry. Also popular in the Philippines is coconut vinegar, for which coconut milk is fermented directly in the nut.

It is believed that malt vinegar invented by the British. But he is loved in Bavaria, the Netherlands, and Austria. It is made from fermented barley wort and is not too strong. Malt vinegar also comes in three types: distilled, light and dark. Clear distilled malt vinegar is used to make marinades, light vinegar is used to prepare salad dressings and sauces, and dark, tart malt vinegar is best suited to fried fish and meat.

Balsamic vinegar considered the king among natural vinegars. Real balsamic is made in Italy by aging a mixture of wine vinegar and boiled grape must in barrels made of different types of wood for several years. For a bright accent, literally a few drops of balsamic vinegar are enough: sprinkle it on salads, add a drop to ice cream and fruit desserts.

Flavored Vinegar obtained by infusing various spices and herbs in ordinary table vinegar. It will take about two weeks for the vinegar to develop a distinct and pleasant aroma.

What can you do with vinegar?


Vinegar is mainly popular as a dressing for a variety of salads. Even its name in many languages ​​is similar to our word “vinaigrette”. In salads, vinegar is no worse than lemon juice, and flavored or balsamic is much better.

Vinegar is one of the main components of marinade for fish or meat. At the same time, you should not pour vinegar into the food: sometimes a few teaspoons are enough. Vinegar is also widely used when preparing a variety of vegetables for the winter. Because vinegar contains acetic acid, it is great for preserving food. Most microorganisms that spoil food cannot live in an acidic environment.

Vinegar is used to quench soda when making shortcrust pastry, add it to sauces, and use it to curdle milk.

Vinegar adds a special flavor to Japanese and Chinese dishes, especially sushi and fried pork.

Vinegar helps produce beautiful, easy-to-clean chicken eggs when added to the cooking water. Two tablespoons per liter of water will be enough.

Rice will not stick together if you add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water in which it is cooked.

For those who like to experiment in the kitchen, making your own vinegar at home will be fun. It is perfect for salad dressings and sauces. But you shouldn’t screw up jars of marinades based on homemade vinegar: it may not be concentrated enough, and the food will spoil.

There are a number of interchangeable products in cooking. For example, it is acceptable to replace apple cider vinegar with table vinegar. This product is often used to make salads and marinades. If it is missing, then you can try other sauces, sour juices, pieces of fruit or highly diluted essence.

How to replace apple cider vinegar in cooking? You can get by with a regular dining room

What can you replace apple cider vinegar with?

In cooking, some products are mandatory components of the recipe, and some can be varied. These usually include sauces, seasonings, and aromatic roots. Is it possible to replace apple cider vinegar with regular cider vinegar? It depends on the recipe and the final taste of the dish.

Replacement options:

  1. Instead of natural vinegar, you can use synthetic one. It is practically the same in properties, although it will not have the same benefits and vitamins. Artificial fruit solution is usually used in canning.
  2. If you are thinking about how to replace apple cider vinegar in a marinade, then you can safely use wine or diluted table vinegar.
  3. You can add citrus juice, concentrated juice or fresh sour fruits to a vegetable or fruit salad.
  4. To prepare main dishes, you can use dry white or other sour wine.
  5. What can replace apple cider vinegar when canning? The answer depends on the desired final flavor. In any case, wine or any fruit will do.

When choosing one vinegar instead of another, keep in mind what kind of dish you want to end up with. If you just need acid, then table acid will do, but it will need to be diluted to 3%. In the case when you also need aroma, take a more adequate replacement. Add sour fruits to the salad, white wine to the meat, and lemon juice to the marinade.

And if you have time and fresh apples, you can make homemade vinegar.

How to make your own apple cider vinegar

If the replacement option does not suit you, then it would be a good idea to learn how to prepare apple cider vinegar. Then you will always have a natural and healthy product at hand.

  1. Pour a kilogram of crushed fruits with a liter of water, add sugar, about 0.5 cups, and a crust of bread.
  2. Place the container in a dark and warm place. The vinegar will ferment for 10 days, you need to stir it daily.
  3. When the allotted time has passed, carefully strain the liquid through several layers of gauze, pour it and put it in a dark place for a couple of months.

It is better to store the finished sauce in a cool, dark place. This will protect it from further fermentation.

Apple cider vinegar is a completely replaceable product in cooking. You can take wine, rice, or regular table food. Any sour product or juice is suitable for salads. And for preservation, take a highly diluted essence. The ability to do it yourself will save you from the problem of looking for other options.

Canning without vinegar. What to replace vinegar with? Adviсe

Among home-canned vegetables, marinades are especially popular. Using a large amount of table vinegar in such homemade preparations makes them shelf-stable, but far from useful. Vinegar is an aggressive product and a love of pickled vegetables can lead to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

You can do it without vinegar!  Housewives know the insidious property of table vinegar to irritate the gastric mucosa and cause heartburn. Therefore, when canning at home, many people replace vinegar with less harmful preservatives.

There are many recipes for homemade preparations without table vinegar, which in terms of taste are in no way inferior to the much-loved marinades. So what can you replace vinegar with?

Vodka or citric acid?

Canning without vinegar involves replacing it with the same powerful preservative that suppresses the growth of microflora. In addition, vinegar gives vegetables that sourness that is so beloved in marinades.

The most popular substitute for vinegar in home canning is citric acid. Marinades with it do not taste as sharp, and preparations with citric acid are stored even better than vinegar ones. Usually a teaspoon of powder is placed on a 3-liter jar. It is believed that 1 g of citric acid ≈ 10 g of vinegar 3%.

You can notice the vinegar and redcurrant juice. Red currants are poured into jars with prepared cucumbers so that they fill the voids between the cucumbers. Pour boiling water with salt (60 grams of salt per 1 liter of water) and sterilize. Cucumbers keep well and have a pleasant “pickled” taste.

Another rather original way of canning without vinegar. To the cucumbers, already filled with hot water with salt and spices, they add... vodka just before capping! For a 3-liter jar, 2 tablespoons are enough. Alcohol is not felt in the finished product, and such preparations stand all winter at room temperature without problems.

Regular table vinegar can be replaced with apple or wine vinegar. These vinegars are natural products obtained microbiologically from apple and grape raw materials and retaining the beneficial properties of fresh fruit. Their use in canning will only bring benefits. The proportions for use are the same as for table vinegar.

Table vinegar is not the only acidic preservative for making homemade marinade. You can preserve without vinegar and enjoy your favorite homemade preparations.

Image sources: webgramota.ru, website.

How to replace vinegar in dishes?

Irina Kosheleva

Vinegar adds flavor to many dishes. For example, a salad with cabbage and carrots is bland in itself. And if you add vinegar, it turns out very tasty. But how can you replace vinegar if you suddenly don’t have it on hand?

To prepare light salads, vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice. This is both healthier and less likely to over-acidify. If you don’t have lemon on hand, you can add a pinch of citric acid. But then you need to mix the ingredients thoroughly so that you don’t get all the acid in one place.

Conservation

Many people wonder what can replace vinegar when preserving. Citric acid will help you here too. A three-liter jar usually requires a teaspoon. If you have other volumes, then proceed from the proportion 5:2. That is, 100 g of vinegar can be replaced with 40 g of citric acid.

In order to prepare sushi rice, you need to add special vinegar to it. Thanks to it, it becomes softer, does not stick to your hands as much during cooking, and gives the sushi a spiciness. But how can you replace rice vinegar without spoiling the dish?

You can replace sushi vinegar by preparing a mixture of regular vinegar, salt and sugar. To do this, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and one and a half teaspoons of salt to a third of a glass of ordinary table vinegar 9%. The entire mixture must be thoroughly stirred until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

In principle, rice vinegar can be replaced with ordinary, but more gentle varieties. For example, apple or wine vinegar. Rice vinegar differs from regular vinegar only in its softness and not such a rich concentration. Therefore, when consuming other varieties, it is worth reducing the dose slightly.

When preparing rolls or sushi, take a container of water and lemon juice and constantly wet your hands in it. Thanks to this, the rice will not stick to your hands, and the nori will stick better.

Balsamic vinegar

Although balsamic vinegar is used in many recipes, the original product is very expensive. Making vinegar takes about 10 or even more years. In this case, 85% of the vinegar is lost, which significantly affects the price. But by learning how to replace balsamic vinegar, you can save money and get almost the same quality.

There are younger balsamic vinegars that do not have such a rich taste and color. They cost an order of magnitude cheaper, so they are quite suitable as a replacement.

You can also make it yourself using regular wine vinegar. To do this, add the fragrant herbs of lemon balm, chamomile, lavender and mint to it and let it brew for about a week.

Bon appetit and new culinary exploits!

When we prepare food, sometimes every second is worth its weight in gold. And suddenly it turns out that the apple cider vinegar specified in the recipe is not on hand. I don’t have time to go to the store, what should I do?

Question interchangeability of products most often it is located in the kitchen. For example, the most popular request from housewives is how to replace baking powder from a baking recipe?

And today we’ll try to figure out whether ordinary table vinegar is suitable as a replacement for the one made from apples.

We all know that vinegar is a necessary thing in every home. In addition to culinary purposes, it copes well with household and cosmetic problems.

For example:

How to use?

Vinegar is produced with the help of special bacteria, through microbiological synthesis. The basis is food raw materials. This is a liquid that has a specific odor, very pungent, almost colorless.

This product was invented in ancient times, used for treatment and cooking. You may know about several types:

  • rice
  • sherry
  • apple
  • wine
  • balsamic
  • dining room

Except the last one - all products made from natural raw materials. It is simply acetic acid diluted in the required proportion.

But the one made from apples (you can even make it yourself, read how) is even useful for the human body.

It is obtained from apple waste - pomace, cider, wine, juice. The taste is spicy and sour. Great for dressing salads and soups (borscht, for example), marinating fish and meat. It is also used as a flavoring agent.

Can it be replaced?

Yes, table vinegar is fine for your cooking, but there are a few things to consider. Regular, store-bought vinegar that we are used to is a vigorous chemical mixture that must be handled with extreme caution.

- this is exactly the product that almost every housewife has in the kitchen. In addition to being used in a variety of dishes and spices, apple cider vinegar can also have health benefits outside the kitchen. The range of its capabilities is great, and you didn’t even know about many of them.

In this article, we will tell you where and how you can use vinegar to improve your health, improve your home and improve your quality of life with the help of this product.


How to use apple cider vinegar

Reduced blood sugar levels


According to some studies, in emergency cases, in addition to basic treatment, apple cider vinegar can help diabetics control their blood sugar levels. Drinking some vinegar after a high-carbohydrate meal can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin by 34% and significantly reduce blood sugar levels.

It is worth remembering that it is contraindicated to use vinegar in its pure form or in large quantities due to its acidity. In addition, if the situation is not an emergency, and you have a doctor’s phone number or medications at hand, it is better to refrain from self-medication and consult a specialist.

Saturation

In some cases, apple cider vinegar is recommended as an aid to weight loss. The thing is that it has the ability to deceive your body, and you stop feeling hunger, which is replaced by imaginary satiety. In this case, the main thing to remember is that completely replacing meals with vinegar is contraindicated; it will only help you avoid unnecessary and unwanted snacks.

Vinegar is contraindicated for use in its pure form. Although it will help you eat fewer calories per day, if you are trying to lose weight, consult your doctor and don't expect too much from this product.

Food canning



Just like other types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar is excellent at preserving food for a long time. Many people don't know, but people have been using it for these purposes for many millennia. Apple cider vinegar uses its high level of acidity to deactivate enzymes and kill bacteria that cause rot and spoilage. Thus, the properties of apple cider vinegar, like any other, allow you to preserve food for a long time.

Elimination of odors



Apple cider vinegar is known to have antibacterial properties. Thanks to this, it is able to eliminate some unpleasant odors. Many people don’t like the smell of apple cider vinegar, but it can drown out more unpleasant ones.

If you don't have an air freshener on hand, you can make your own by mixing vinegar and water. Be careful not to get the mixture into your eyes. This can be an alternative to chemical air fresheners. You can also mix vinegar with water and Epsom salts to neutralize foot odor.

Read also: 10 Great Ideas for Using Eggshells

What is apple cider vinegar for?

Cleaning surfaces



Apple cider vinegar often acts as an inexpensive, natural alternative to chemical detergents for various purposes. This becomes possible thanks to its antibacterial properties. Mix one cup of water with half a cup of apple cider vinegar to create an all-purpose cleaner.

Despite the fact that apple cider vinegar does an excellent job of removing dirt and disinfecting surfaces, it is better to use it as a last resort or in direct contact of the surface with the skin, since, after all, chemicals do a better job of this task, although sometimes they can be dangerous for the skin. health.

Treatment for sore throat



Apple cider vinegar is a famous folk remedy for treating a sore throat. Its antibacterial properties will help deal with pathogenic bacteria that cause health problems.

If you intend to treat yourself at home, mix vinegar with water before gargling, because, as we know, its high level of acidity can harm the mucous membrane of your throat. That is why it should never end up there in its pure form.

Face tonic

As prosaic as it may sound, apple cider vinegar can significantly improve the condition of the skin and eliminate too obvious signs of aging. This is why many people with this information use vinegar as a facial tonic.

The general recipe that is most often found among beauty connoisseurs is: 1 part apple cider vinegar to 2 parts clean water. The mixture is then applied to the skin using a regular cotton pad. If you have very sensitive skin, you can add more water or less vinegar to the product.

Hair health



It is believed that rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can neutralize accumulated harmful substances, detangle your hair and add shine. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and rinse your hair with this solution.

Leave the solution on your hair for a few minutes and then rinse with clean water. If you have sensitive skin, the mixture should be made less concentrated - add more water, because... Vinegar is highly acidic.

Read also: Treatment of mosquito bites: 13 natural and effective remedies

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar?

Fruit fly trap



Fruit flies are very unpleasant pests that every housewife wants to get rid of, because flying insects in the house do not always have a positive effect on life. Instead of searching for and buying expensive fruit fly traps, you can use apple cider vinegar to make them quickly and cheaply at home.

To do this, you just need to take a glass, saucer or large bottle cap, pour apple cider vinegar into it, add a few drops of soap so that the insects are sure to drown, and place them in the places where they are most concentrated. In a few hours you will notice a positive result, and it will become much easier for you to manage your household.

Cooking eggs



By adding a little vinegar to the water in which you boil your eggs for breakfast in the morning, you may be surprised to notice an unusual result. This happens because the protein in egg whites coagulates much faster when cooked in a highly acidic liquid.

This will help you a lot when you decide to boil eggs without shells - they will retain their pleasant-looking shape as much as possible. Also, adding vinegar to water will reduce the time it takes for the protein to coagulate. This property can be useful if the egg’s shell suddenly bursts or cracks during the cooking process.

Preparing the marinade



If you intend to use apple cider vinegar for cooking, you can make a homemade marinade that will not leave you or your loved ones indifferent. In fact, this vinegar is a fairly popular ingredient for making marinades, and is best suited for steaks, because... thanks to it, the meat acquires a sweet and sour taste.

Mix apple cider vinegar with wine, garlic, soy sauce, onion or cayenne pepper to add a unique flavor to your meats for a memorable dinner. Don't be afraid to experiment with dishes, and the results will amaze you.

Washing fruits and vegetables



Pesticides often used on fruits and vegetables often remain on the skin. This can be a big problem for many people and can also harm their body. They can be washed off with plain water, although it will not remove all the pesticides.

Vinegar will cope with this task much better, because, in addition to removing pesticides, it will kill all pathogenic bacteria. For example, studies have shown that rinsing fruit with vinegar helps eliminate bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.

Cleaning dentures



When you don't have a special product on hand, apple cider vinegar is a great way to clean your dentures. Vinegar is a natural remedy, and in small quantities it will not harm the body in any way, while thoroughly cleaning the item. Various cleansing chemicals are believed to have a negative effect on the skin and gums, while you can be sure of vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar treatment

Weed control



If you have weeds in your garden or garden, you don’t know how to deal with them and don’t want to use various chemicals to destroy them, vinegar will come to your aid. Spray undiluted apple cider vinegar on the plants you want to get rid of.

It can also be mixed with soap and lemon juice - this will enhance the effect. Be careful not to get the vinegar on the plants you value, or you will lose them.

Cleaning your toothbrush



To keep your teeth clean and healthy, you need a clean toothbrush. However, it is not always clear what can be suitable for cleansing it. If you are a fan of natural remedies, apple cider vinegar will be your friend because it has powerful antibacterial properties.

To prepare the cleaning solution, mix half a cup of water, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons of baking soda. Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly. Dip the brush into the resulting solution so that the bristles are completely immersed in it, and leave for 30 minutes. To prevent the acidity of the solution from damaging your teeth, rinse the brush thoroughly with clean water before use and make sure there is nothing left on it.

Teeth whitening



Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, so some people use it to remove plaque and whiten teeth. To do this, you need to apply a small amount of vinegar to your teeth as carefully as possible using a cotton swab. Never rub vinegar in or use too much.

Don't be surprised if the color doesn't last long, as vinegar doesn't give a permanent result. You can repeat the procedure after some time, but we do not advise you to do it too often. Be careful when using this method and rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water after the procedure.

Washing dishes

Apple cider vinegar, a natural remedy against various bacteria, can give you confidence when washing dishes. Instead of detergent, or in addition to it, wash dishes with vinegar.

This will help you get rid of many pathogenic bacteria, keeping you healthy. Remember that after this, the dishes must be rinsed again with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar. If you have sensitive skin, use gloves when washing.