Raspberry vinegar is a type of flavored vinegar, or specialty vinegar. As its name suggests, this type of vinegar is flavored with raspberries, which gives it a slightly sweet taste. It can be used as a salad dressing or as a meat marinade. To make raspberry vinegar, raspberries are soaked in a sealed container of vinegar, then the mixture is strained through cheesecloth. This type of vinegar typically has a very long shelf life, and it often makes an excellent gift.
Flavored vinegars are becoming increasingly popular with both novice and professional cooks. Raspberry vinegar can be used in a number of dishes. A small amount of this vinegar can be drizzled on a salad to add flavor, for example. It can also be mixed with oil and other spices to create a raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing.
This type of vinegar can also be used as a marinade for meat and poultry. Vinegar is often considered an excellent marinade, since it breaks down tough meat fibers. This makes the meat more tender and flavorful. When marinating meat or poultry in flavored vinegar, it should be soaked in the vinegar for several hours. To prevent foodborne illness, marinating meat should be stored in the refrigerator.
Making raspberry vinegar is generally quite easy. Fresh or unsweetened frozen raspberries should be washed and placed in a large jar. White vinegar is then poured into the jar to cover the raspberries. The jar is then sealed, and stored in a dark cool area for a few weeks.
When the raspberry vinegar is ready, it will be a bright red color. It should then be poured through a few layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any berries and sediment. After the vinegar has been strained, it can be poured into sterile glass jars or bottles and sealed. A few washed fresh raspberries can also be added to the jars before they are sealed. The jars should then be labeled and dated.
Like most other types of vinegars, raspberry vinegar has a very long shelf life. It can often be stored for several years, if it is stored properly. To retain the flavor and prevent bacteria growth, homemade flavored vinegars should be stored in the refrigerator.