The Essentials on Types of Vinegar
If you’re already a Bremer Ingredients customer, buying the vinegars you need as you need them, you’re likely very knowledgeable in the many types of vinegar and how they’re used.
But what if you’re not a professional? Maybe you question why there are so many vinegars in the aisle at the grocery store. How could one be different from another? Can you buy distilled vinegar instead of white vinegar? Are either of those the same as apple cider vinegar?
First, yes, distilled vinegar and white vinegar are the same thing. You’ll often see it noted as “distilled white vinegar.” The “distilled” part of the name comes not from the distillation of vinegar, but from the fermentation of distilled alcohol. Once diluted, we have a vinegar that can be used for more than you think (more on this later).
Apple cider vinegar is, not surprisingly, created from cider or apple must. These vinegars are extremely acidic, sometimes reaching as high as 5 on the pH scale.
Uses for Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Almost always, apple cider vinegar is used for cooking, as its acidity makes it harsh on the throat when undiluted. While it’s sometimes consumed as a beverage (after being diluted with water or juice), you’ll most often find it as a cooking ingredient.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is more versatile (and common around the house). In addition to cooking and baking, distilled vinegar can be used for pickling (slice up a cucumber, put it in some white vinegar and within a few minutes, you’ll have some pickles), as well as meat preservation.
Outside food preparation and preservation, white vinegar is used as a cleaning agent and also plays a role in medicinal pursuits.
So, are all vinegars the same? Definitely not. But they’re all interesting and useful in their own ways.