Surprising facts about a familiar pantry staple
| Surprising facts about a familiar pantry staple (ARA) - It occupies millions of American pantries and we consume thousands of gallons of it every year. But how much do you really know about that great American pantry staple, vinegar? Here are a few surprising facts about a familiar favorite to keep in mind when shopping in the grocery aisles: Not all vinegars are created equal Not all vinegars are created equal -- and not all are created from natural sources. In fact, current regulations allow manufacturers to make vinegar from petroleum without disclosing it on the label. That means you may not know whether your vinegar is made from natural ingredients, such as corn and apples or historically cheaper sources, such as petroleum. A recent survey from Heinz revealed that nine out of 10 vinegar users don’t know that some vinegar may be petroleum-based. Many of these same vinegar users said if they discovered their vinegar was made from petroleum, they would switch to a vinegar with all natural ingredients. “Heinz Distilled White and Apple Cider Vinegars are all-natural, all the time -- and never made from petroleum. This has been a commitment at Heinz for 140 years and we have a label to back it up,” says Eric Dahmer, Heinz Vinegar brand manager. Some vinegars have “pickling strength” Originally used as a natural preservative in many commercially produced food products, vinegar properly preserves foods by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can cause food to spoil. Still today, many people turn to vinegar for home canning, pickling and preserving needs. When using vinegar for preserving fruits and vegetables, be sure to select a vinegar, such as Heinz Vinegar, with "pickling strength" (5 percent acidity). This will ensure successful, safe, home preservation of foods. Vinegar is a key ingredient in recipes Vinegar has a great reputation for adding that little something extra to your favorite recipes. Whether in a homemade salad dressing (see below for a zesty lemon vinaigrette recipe) or marinade, vinegar is the basis of many time-tested recipes. It can also save a recipe from tasting too sweet or too salty. Just add a dash of vinegar to neutralize a taste that’s too strong and you just might save that dish from disaster. Vinegar is essential in food preparation Vinegar’s distinct, vibrant flavor is hard to mistake, but did you know vinegar has other uses during food preparation? According to the survey, 34 percent of vinegar consumers also use the product to clean fresh fruit, produce or food preparation surfaces. A mixture of three parts vinegar and one part water can be used to rinse fresh vegetables as part of your meal preparation. Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1/3 cup Heinz Distilled White Vinegar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 4 teaspoon sugar Directions: Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve at room temperature. If preferred, place all ingredients in leak-proof jar or container, and shake vigorously until well mixed. Makes about 1 cup. Prep time: 5 minutes. Visit www.VinegarFacts.com to learn more. Courtesy of ARAcontent |
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