Ingredient Information

Vinegar

Vinegar is almost always made from wine (or any alcoholic beverage) by fermenting the alcohol with acid, thereby producing bacteria. So, apple cider vinegar comes from just that and white vinegar comes from clear grain alcohol.

Most recipes call for white or red wine vinegar. Purchasing better quality vinegars is important to making your recipe great. Less expensive vinegars are produced in large vats, often in a day or two. More complex vinegars are made over time in much the same fashion as making wine, using oak casks and prolonged fermentation and aging.

You will see herbed vinegars on the market (like tarragon vinegar). These are simply vinegars that have been steeped with herbs or infused with other flavors.