Strawberry Vinegar
Here’s a unique and aromatic treat that will lend an extra zest to your salads, desserts, and cocktails – Homemade Strawberry Vinegar!
This easy recipe for strawberry vinegar is a game-changer for your salads and marinades. That beautiful red color and the sweetness of the strawberries, added to the acidity of the vinegar, make something truly unique.
What vinegar should I use?
Choose a clear-colored vinegar. White wine, champagne, white balsamic, rice vinegar, or white vinegar are the best options. Apple cider vinegar will work, but the color won’t be as vibrant, and because of its distinctive taste, it may be off-putting.
What you need
- Vinegar: Use light-colored vinegar; see suggestions in the previous section.
- Strawberries: Use fresh, organic strawberries, if available. You can even use strawberry tops to reduce your food waste! See the section below for the recipe.
- Sugar: (optional) Sugar will balance out the acidity of the vinegar. Use white sugar, raw sugar, or a sugar substitute.
- Herbs: (optional) basil or mint are a great choice for more depth of flavor.
How to make it
Step One
Add the sugar and vinegar to a small saucepan.
Gently heat over low heat. Do not boil.
Step Two
Chop the strawberries. Add them to a clean, sterilized quart jar. Pour the heated vinegar over the berries.
Place a non-metal lid on the jar. (Or protect the band with a piece of plastic wrap to prevent the metal from rusting.)
Let the vinegar steep to infuse the strawberry flavor for at least 4 or 5 days, up to a week or ten days. It can infuse at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will take longer in the fridge.
How to use it
- Salad Dressing: Our favorite way is to use strawberry vinegar as the perfect base for a summery vinaigrette. Combine it with high-quality olive oil, a touch of Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic salad dressing, particularly those featuring goat cheese, feta cheese, pecans, or arugula.
- Marinade: Use it to marinate your chicken, pork, or fish. The acidity of the vinegar tenderizes the meat, while the strawberry flavor imparts a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cocktails: Add a splash to your cocktails for a sophisticated twist. It pairs exceptionally well with gin or vodka-based drinks.
- Desserts: Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or a glaze for fresh fruit tarts. You can also use it to macerate strawberries for a sweet, tangy dessert topping.
- Gourmet Sauces: Use it as a base for sweet and tangy sauces, perfect for drizzling over roasted meats or grilled vegetables. A strawberry vinegar reduction can add a gourmet touch to your dishes.
- Pickling Liquid: Use strawberry vinegar as the pickling liquid for cucumbers, onions, or other veggies for a sweet, fruity twist.
- Soda: Add it to sparkling water with a sweetener for a refreshing homemade soda.
How to store it
- After making your vinegar, pour it into a clean, airtight glass container. Ensure your bottle or jar has been washed thoroughly and dried to avoid any contaminants that could impact the flavor of your vinegar. Sterilizing the jar will extend the shelf life.
- Store your vinegar in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Direct sunlight and heat can degrade the quality and flavor of the vinegar over time.
- You can store your vinegar in the refrigerator depending on your preference. The cold might slightly thicken the vinegar, but it can extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor. Store it in the fridge if you live in a warmer climate or your house gets hot.
- While vinegar is a natural preservative, adding strawberries might slightly reduce its shelf life. Use it within 3-6 months for the best flavor.
You can Make it With Strawberry Tops?
Yes, indeed! Making strawberry vinegar from strawberry tops is a beautiful way to reduce food waste and enjoy a flavorful, homemade condiment. Make the vinegar in the same manner as using the whole fruit. It is best to let it sit for about a week before draining the fruit out of the vinegar.
More Infused Vinegar
- Raspberry Vinegar
- Blueberry Vinegar
- Cranberry Vinegar
- Blackberry Vinegar
- Chive Blossom Vinegar
- Rhubarb Vinegar
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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Strawberry Vinegar
Ingredients
- 3 cups strawberries, frozen or fresh
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ½ cup Sugar
Instructions
- Add sugar to the vinegar to a small, non reactive pan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally.2 cups white vinegar, ½ cup Sugar
- Wash berries if using fresh. If using frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator.3 cups strawberries, frozen or fresh
- Add berries to a canning jar. Pour vinegar over berries. Cover with paper towel, waxed paper or plastic wrap secured by a rubber band, or use a plastic lid.
- Place in cool, dark place for about 7-10 days.
- Cut a piece of cheesecloth and line a colander.
- Drain contents of jar into cheesecloth. Discard pulp.
- Store in clean, sterilized glass canning jar, in cool dark place for about 6 months.
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Notes
- Strawberry tops from 1 pint of strawberries
- 2 cups of white wine or apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (optional)
- Prepare the Strawberry Tops: After washing and hulling your strawberries, save the tops – the leafy part and the tiny bit of fruit attached.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the strawberry tops in a clean, sterilized jar. If you want to add more sweetness to balance the tartness, sprinkle some sugar over the tops. Then, pour the vinegar over the strawberry tops until fully covered.
- Steep the Mixture: Secure the lid on the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about a week. Steeping allows the flavors of the strawberry tops to infuse into the vinegar.
- Strain the Vinegar: After a week, strain the infused vinegar into a clean jar or bottle, and press down to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the strawberry tops.
- Store Properly: Store your homemade strawberry top vinegar in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. It should maintain its flavor for about 3-6 months.
- Strawberry 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
- Strawberry shrubs 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 strawberry vinegar straight, or add a tablespoon to a cup of hot water and drink it like tea.
Nutrition
Originally published July 12, 2023.
