What is Red Wine Vinegar?
Over the past two decades, red wine vinegar has become very popular both as a medical supplement and for cooking purposes. What is red wine vinegar? Red wine vinegar is a type of red wine that has been fermented and aged for 1-2 years for cooking purposes, but even though it contains alcohol, it is far too acidic and sour to drink like regular wine. For the most part, red wine vinegar is used in cooking to complement many types of foods, including salad dressing, pickles, marinades, sauces, and so on. Only a small amount of red wine vinegar is used as it has a potent taste. Aside from cooking, many people also believe that red wine vinegar has health benefits and regularly consume a small amount every day.
One of the key reasons why red wine vinegar has become popular in the kitchen is because it is low-calorie and fat-free. It is these features that make it popular among people who are concerned about weight gain.
What is red wine vinegar? In addition, red wine vinegar also contains trace amounts of minerals, like magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamin C. During the fermentation process, two other products are also generated, including probiotics and acetic acid, which can lower blood sugars and aid in digestion.
USE OF RED WINE VINEGAR
Depending on the amount, red wine vinegar can add a subtle sweetness and moderate acidity to the food. Some of the culinary uses of this include the following:
- Excellent substitute for traditional salad dressings. Some people prefer to use red wine vinegar over their salad instead of the traditional, heavy oil-based dressings because it is lower in calories.
- Can be used as a garnish or a flavoring agent for soups, pickles, and marinades.
- Enhance the taste of earthy foods, like caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, or asparagus.
Red wine vinegar is also a potent meat tenderizer. If you have tough meat, then add half a cup of red wine vinegar to the meat and cover it for 2-4 hours. Following this, wash the meat thoroughly to get rid of the vinegar flavor and aroma. The vinegar will break down the strong proteins and make the meat soft.
HOW TO MAKE RED WINE VINEGAR
If you need to learn how to make red wine vinegar, follow the following instructions. Take one-half cup of red wine and pour it into a canning jar that will be able to hold 64 ounces. Close and secure the lid and shake it to aerate the liquid. Then add water until the canning jar is ¾ full. Add the “live mother of vinegar” that you can either buy or make yourself to that mixture. Cover the jar with cheesecloth and fasten on with a rubber band. Set that sealed and covered jar somewhere dark for 3-4 weeks so it can ferment undisturbed. Check it now and then to make sure it isn’t growing mold. After a few weeks, the “live mother of vinegar” should descend to the bottom of the container, and you should begin to notice an aroma of vinegar in the concoction. It will take a couple of months to get to the full flavor that you want from red wine vinegar. Then it’s time to strain it with a colander or through a sieve lined with cheesecloth.
HOW TO SUBSTITUTE RED WINE VINEGAR
If you run out of red wine vinegar, fear not, you can use white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, or champagne vinegar instead. However, the most common substitute is apple cider vinegar, which has a fruitier and tarty flavor but works very similarly to red wine vinegar. Balsamic vinegar, lime, and lemon juice also make a great substitute but only use a small amount as the flavor of these agents can be overpowering.
- Potential Health Benefits of Red Wine Vinegar
- Lowers blood sugar
- May lower the risk of certain cancers
- May protect your skin
- May aid weight loss
- May boost heart health
How to Store Red Wine Vinegar
Once you open a bottle of red wine vinegar, store the remainder in the refrigerator as this will add months to its shelf life. The unopened container should be kept in a cold dark place and out of sunlight.
What is red wine vinegar? Do you want to learn how to make red wine vinegar? If you have any questions about the red wine vinegar and its use, contact the experts at Pacific Rim & Company at 1-503-863-5454 or email us at: PacRimInfo@Banfi.com. We will be happy to assist you in answering your questions.