This summer, take advantage of the abundance of fresh herbs available by making herbal vinegars at home. Kathleen Savoie, an extension educator at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, explains that herbal vinegars are simply vinegars infused with herbs, adding flavor to dishes such as salad dressings, marinades, and drinking vinegars.
To start, select a vinegar base such as apple cider or white vinegar, and choose herbs like parsley and cilantro for a flavor profile. Before using the herbs, sanitize them in a mild bleach solution to remove any bacteria or debris. Additional mix-ins like garlic, fruits, vegetables, or spices can be added to enhance the flavor of the vinegar.
After combining the ingredients in sterilized jars, let the vinegar sit for three to four weeks for the flavors to develop. Savoie recommends tasting the vinegar to adjust the flavor intensity before straining and storing it in clean jars. Refrigerated herbal vinegar will last for three months, while shelf-stable vinegar can be processed for longer storage.
For more detailed instructions and popular herbal vinegar combinations, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers a bulletin and a webinar on preserving herbs. Homemade herbal vinegars also make great gifts for friends and family. By following these steps, you can elevate your home cooking with flavorful herbal vinegars made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
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