KIM KIM FOSTER-TOBIN/KKFOSTER@THESTATE.

COM

Popular vinegar varieties and common usage

RICE WINE
Color: Light yellow Flavor: Light and mild Made from: Rice Pairs well with: Sushi, salads Popular use: Key ingredient in sushi rice, salad dressing Fun fact: Can also be sweetened or seasoned with other flavors. Also comes in red (colored with red yeast rice) and black (made with black glutinous rice, popular in China)

BALSAMIC
Color: Dark brown Flavor: Rich, sweet and mellow Made from: Must of white grapes Pairs well with: Vegetables, meats, fruits and cheeses Popular use: Vinaigrette or cooked to a concentrate for dipping hard cheeses or fresh fruits Fun fact: True balsamic vinegar is aged for at least 12 years (look for Protected Designation of Origin status). Commercial balsamic vinegar is concentrated grape juice with a strong vinegar, caramel and sugar.

WHITE DISTILLED
Color: Colorless Flavor: Crisp and tart Made from: Corn Pairs well with: Fresh vegetables (especially cucumbers) and ham and boiled greens Popular use: Sauces, pickling, baking and meat preservation, also as condiment for fried fish and French fries Fun fact: Used medicinally to help control diet and reduce glycemic index. Used as a cleaner for glass, stainless steel and pet stains and as a weed killer

APPLE CIDER
Color: Pale gold Flavor: High acid Made from: Apple must (concentrated juice) or cider Pairs well with: Pork...think vinegar-pepper barbecue sauce Popular use: Brines, sauces and pickling. Chess pie Fun fact: Can substitute for lemon juice in recipes, great for steaming/dipping crabs, combine with honey before drinking

SHERRY
Color: Dark mahogany Flavor: Sherry-like, inexpensive brands can be a bit salty Made from: Sherry wines from Jerez, Spain Pairs well with: Salads, soups, stews Popular use: Vinaigrette dressing, gazpacho Fun fact: Must be aged a minimum of 6 months in wood. Reserva is aged 2 years, Gran Reserva is aged a minimum of 10 years.