Do you realize that vinegar has been around for over 10,000 years? For centuries, families have passed down the health benefits of vinegar from one generation to the next. Each nationality has its own reasons for using this magical elixir and its own special recipe. However, not all vinegars are created equal! For example;

White vinegar should never be consumed as a food product or even as a preservative. White vinegar is made from the cheapest ingredients, like wood chips or pure grain alcohol. It has its place in the vinegar family, but its acidity is so high that it is best used as a grease remover in the garage or as a non-toxic herbicide.

Although vinegar can be made from almost any slightly sweet liquid, the most popular today is apple cider vinegar. When you read or hear something that refers to vinegar, chances are it (unless otherwise specified) is referring to apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is most impressive for its medicinal properties. It’s strong enough to kill bacteria and fungus, yet gentle enough to apply directly to the skin, drink undiluted as a tonic, or use to treat ailments, bruises, or sore muscles. It’s even safe for pets to treat skin disorders, or as a non-toxic flea control and deodorant. Generations have used it to clean, freshen, deodorize, disinfect, and shine almost any surface, including glass, clothing, and even hair. On top of all that, it tastes so damn good. Consider all the wonderful recipes for main courses, side dishes, desserts, preserves, pickles and preserves. Imagine how smooth the world would be without vinegar. To make sure you’re getting those important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’re looking for, choose organic produce with the mother of vinegar.

Balsamic vinegar, the gourmet of vinegars, can be extremely expensive. It is aged from 4 to 20 years and is made from a liquor instead of wine or fruit. The best comes from northern Italy and is kept under extreme restrictions before it can even be called balsamic vinegar. The aroma along with the sweet and sour taste is like no other vinegar. Once you try this delicacy, you’ll see why people will pay $60-$250 for a ½ ounce. It is rare to find true Balsamic Vinegar in the United States, there are many brands that claim to be imported Balsamic Vinegar but are nothing more than cheap imitations with an expensive price tag.

Rice vinegar is well known as a vinegar delicacy from Japan. It is made from brown rice and is best known for its medicinal properties to kill bacteria. It has been used for centuries to kill bacteria in fresh fish. Without vinegar there would be no sushi. A famous tonic made in Japan called Tamago-su, is known to promote a long and healthy life with strengthening properties and has been used by Samurai warriors for centuries. Eggs are soaked in Rice Vinegar without stirring for 7 days, during this time the vinegar dissolves the eggs (shell and all), the membrane is mixed with warm water and taken by teaspoonful three times a day.

Once you start experimenting with vinegar, you’ll quickly discover that it can be made with just about anything. It’s great fun experimenting with a variety of wines, fruit, barley, rice, beer or herbs and trying your own homemade vinegar. Best of all, homemade vinegar has more nutrients and minerals than commercial vinegar. The hardest part of making vinegar is patience. At a time before the late 1800s, scientists thought that making vinegar had to be an elaborate process because of all its miraculous claims. It is now known that when alcohol is allowed to ferment it turns into acetic acid and exposure to air is what originated the vinegar.

If you decide to buy your vinegar, buy quality. You can find the best quality vinegar at your local health food store or in the healthy organic food section of your supermarket. If you’re lucky enough to live near a farming community, you might want to try buying your vinegar from local farmers.

This is just a small example of the interesting truths and health benefits of vinegar. Once you start exploring the world of vinegar flavors and experience its own health benefits, it’s only a matter of time before you pass down your own family recipes and miracle cures.