Blueberry Vinegar
Blueberry vinegar is a flavored vinegar made by steeping fresh or frozen blueberries in vinegar for some time.
Infusing vinegar with blueberries allows the natural flavors and colors of the fruit to blend with the tangy acidity of the vinegar, resulting in a delicious and fragrant ingredient perfect for many dishes.
Why make it?
It is incredibly delicious and so easy to make. It’s even suitable for beginners.
It is a great way to practice sustainability. Making the vinegar at home eliminates buying store-bought infused vinegar, which means that there are no shipping and transportation costs, no wasted plastic containers, and blueberries are easy to grow or to pick up at a farm stand.
What you need
- Blueberries – fresh or frozen, thawed berries will work for this recipe. Any variety will work, even wild blueberries and huckleberries.
- White vinegar- You can use white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, white balsamic, or just plain old 5% acidity white vinegar, which is the cheapest option. We don’t recommend darker vinegar such as balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be fine, but the color is much nicer with clear vinegar.
- Sugar- Omit sugar, if you would prefer. Or adjust the sugar to use less of it. You could also use a sugar substitute such as honey or agave.
How to make it
Step One
Add the sugar to a medium saucepan.
Step Two
Add the vinegar to the pan.
Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar melts. Stir it so that the sugar doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step Three
Wash the raspberries. Place them in a large glass mason jar.
If you’re using previously frozen berries, place them in a bowl and refrigerate overnight to thaw.
Step Four
Pour the sweetened vinegar over the berries in the jar. Cover the jar with a non-metallic lid. Let the jar steep in your pantry or a dark closet for about seven days.
Step Five
Pour the vinegar through a fine-meshed strainer to remove the solids and berries.
Then, pour the liquid vinegar into sterilized bottles to store.
How to use it
- Salad dressings: Blueberry vinegar is excellent as the base for a delicious and refreshing blueberry dressing. Whisk it with extra virgin olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard for a bright, flavorful vinaigrette that pairs well with mixed greens, such as spinach, kale, leaf lettuce, nuts, and cheese, especially feta, blue, or goat cheese.
- Marinades: Use it to marinate chicken, pork, venison, or vegetables. Mix it with garlic, soy sauce, and ginger for a flavorful and tangy marinade that will add depth and complexity to your dishes.
- Beverages: Make a refreshing and healthy drink commonly known as a shrub. Mix it with sparkling water, honey, and fresh herbs like mint or basil for a delicious and hydrating beverage.
- Gifting: Present pretty bottles of infused vinegar for a unique holiday or hostess presents.
Helpful Tools
More infused vinegar
- Raspberry Vinegar
- Blackberry Vinegar
- Rhubarb Vinegar
- Cranberry Vinegar
- Chive Blossom Vinegar
- Strawberry Vinegar
Making your own infused vinegar at home is and easy, fun DIY project that yields a delicious end product. Give it try!
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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Blueberry Vinegar
Ingredients
- 3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sugar up to ½ cup
Instructions
- Add sugar to the vinegar in small, non reactive pan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally.2 cups white vinegar, 2 tablespoons Sugar
- Wash berries if using fresh. If using frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator.3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- Add berries to a canning jar. Cover with paper towel, waxed paper or plastic wrap secured by a rubber band, or use plastic lid.
- Place in cool, dark place for about 7-14 days.
- Cut a piece of cheesecloth and line colander.
- Drain contents of jar into cheesecloth. Discard pulp.
- Store in clean, sterilized glass canning jar, in cool dark place for about 6 months.
See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!Notes
Uses for raspberry vinegar
- Blueberry vinaigrette
- Salad dressings -use whatever spices you like to make the dressing, like salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dill weed. Add a tablespoon of honey to make it a bit sweeter.
- A delicious dip for French fries
- Basting on chicken, venison, pork, or fish. It’s especially good when grilling
- Marinades
- Blueberry shrub and cocktails, and cordials
- It’s great on fresh vegetables like beets (beetroot)
- It’s said to be a great remedy for common colds, coughs, and sore throats. Just drink a tablespoon of raspberry vinegar straight, or add a tablespoon to a cup of hot water and drink it like tea.
Nutrition
Originally published May 5, 2023.
