Herbal Vinegars - the *Sun Tea* way :)))

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Herbal Vinegars

 

Specialty vinegars are becoming ever more popular throughout the

country. They are sought after for their culinary uses and

asmedicinal aids. For those lucky enough to have their own herbs

available, here is a simple recipe and method for making your own

herb vinegars.

 

1 gallon jug of white vinegar

Assorted fresh herbs

2 Glass Jugs .. 1 gallon size

Plastic wrap

Sunshine

Patience

 

A good assortment of herbs for vinegar, are Oregano, Chives, Garlic,

Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon, and Basil.

 

Harvest your fresh herbs early in the morning before the sun warms

them too much. Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat dry with paper

towels. Do not remove the leaves from the stalks, but do use tender,

not woody, stalks.

 

While the herbs are drying, wash and sterilize the glass jugs. Fill

the jugs with the fresh herbs of your choice. You might try combining

oregano, garlic and chives, or Tarragon, with a few slices of lemon.

Rosemary & thyme make a nice vinegar, and basil, all by itself is a

treat.

 

Fill the jug to the top with the white vinegar, and cover the jug

opening with a piece of plastic wrap, before putting the lid on

tightly. Invert the jug and place it outside where it will get full

sun, then forget about it for the next 4 to 6 weeks. You can leave

the jugs out longer if you don't have time to decant them.

 

When you are ready to decant the herbal vinegar, wash and sterilize

smaller containers. Some people use canning jars, some use recycled

liquor bottles, and some use attractive bottles found at flea markets

or yard sales.

 

Strain the herbal vinegar twice through cheesecloth. If it still

seems a bit cloudy, strain again. Then simply pour the herbal vinegar

into the prepared containers, cap and label them. They are ready to

use, or give as gifts. Have fun experimenting with different flavors.

I like this " Sun Tea " type of brewing the vinegars because the herbal

 

oils slowly leech into the vinegar and do not separate. For those

watching their diets, these vinegars can be used on salads with no

need to add oil.

 

~author unknown

 

 

 

 

Diana

 

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