Vinegar – A Kitchen Phenomenon
By:
Jessica Joy
Vinegar is also known as distilled vinegar, is a solution of acetic acid and other chemicals. It contains 5-8% acetic acid. And 95-98% water. It is produced from the fermentation of foods like potatoes, molasses, sugar beets, milk whey.
Nowadays vinegar is made from the fermentation of grain alcohol. Vinegar is a versatile liquid that can be used for cleaning, cooking, gardening. It too has medical applications
Let’s see what are the various uses of vinegar.
- Cooking
1. Pickles – It is used to prepare pickles, as it has preservative properties that protect the food from spoiling for long periods. The acidity of vinegar helps to inhibit bacterial growth.
2. Salads – It is used to prepare salad, it brightens the flavor and is used in many traditional salads.
3. Baking – It is used as a leavening agent for baking along with baking soda. It reacts with the alkaline baking soda and releases carbon dioxide gas which helps to bake well.
4. Cheesemaking – vinegar when added to milk it alters the milk proteins and separates curds and whey. Which results in the production of soft cheese.
- Cleaning
1. Cleaning the coffee maker – When you mix vinegar with water it will clean the coffee maker.
2. Dishwasher – Pour a cup of vinegar in the dishwasher without the dishes to clean out the residue of soap.
3. Window cleaner – It is mixed with a few tablespoons and water to clean the window glass.
4. Stain remover – Pour some drops of vinegar on the stained clothes and rub them gently. Then wash it with regular water.
Vinegar also provides health benefits. It has been utilized medicinally for thousands of ages. Some of the health benefits are:
- It controls blood sugar level – It reduces both blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal.
- It is used in weight management – It may increase fullness by slowing the rate at which the stomach empties, which reduces calorie intake.
- It reduces cholesterol.
- It is antimicrobial.
Vinegar is a versatile liquid which can be used in the kitchen for cooking and cleaning purpose. It also has antimicrobial activity and is used for preservative purposes also.
