4 Reasons to Love Vinegar
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Red wine, sherry, balsamic, or fruit vinegar—try different types of vinegar by adding them to eggs, pasta, rice, and other dishes. Make a vinegar-based sauce. Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and reduce it to half its original volume. This aromatic sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, meat, or fish. Add it to soups. Just one spoonful of sherry vinegar can transform even a simple lentil soup, and adding balsamic vinegar will give tomato soup interesting flavor notes.
Improve digestion and overall well-being. Vinegar promotes the production of gastric juices and improves metabolism, which helps the body digest food more effectively. It also has a mild antiseptic effect and can support your immune system. Use vinegar in marinades. Thanks to its acidity, vinegar tenderizes meat, making it more tender and juicy, and adds depth of flavor to your dishes. Try marinating chicken or vegetables with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Add vinegar to salads. A little vinegar in your salad dressing will add brightness and freshness, balance the richness of the oil, and bring out the natural flavor of the vegetables.
Cooking Secrets with Vinegar
Marinate vegetables in a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, and herbs to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant flavor when served in winter salads.
Use rice vinegar to dress fresh cucumber salads with added sugar and sesame seeds—it will mellow the flavor and add a light tang without being overly sharp.
| Vinegar Type | Best Use | Serving Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Balsamic | Glaze for meat and vegetables | 1–2 tbsp per serving, reduce until thickened |
| Apple cider | Marinades and sauces | 1 tbsp per 100 ml of liquid |
| Rice vinegar | Dressings and sushi | 0.5–1 tbsp per 150 g of product |
| Wine (white or red) | Making sauces and braising | 1–2 tsp per serving |
When cooking rice, add 1 tsp of vinegar to the water—the grains will become fluffy and won’t stick together.
Add vinegar to soups and broths at the end of cooking to enhance the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
