Food for thought – did you get a distinct flavor when you last enjoyed your favourite Chinese dish? Did you hear the chef mention rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar? If this sounded unfamiliar, read on to find out what this truly amazing flavor of rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar is all about.

Load Up On Rice Vinegar:

Rice Vinegar, as the name suggests, is vinegar derived from fermented rice. Rice vinegar is a well-known ingredient in Asian cuisine, especially in Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan. Adding rice vinegar can instantly uplift the flavor of the dish (1). If one needs to change the consistency of the food, rice vinegar comfortably chips in to do the trick.

Varieties Of Rice Vinegar:

Following are the varieties of rice vinegar:

1. White Rice Vinegar:

White rice vinegar is the most commonly used type of vinegar. It appears whitish or pale yellow in color.

2. Brown Rice Vinegar:

This type of vinegar is made from unpolished brown rice and is known for its high nutritive value. The appearance is brown in color, and it can be used in the place of white rice vinegar.

3. Red Rice Vinegar:

Vinegar that leaves a lingering taste of sweet and salt, red rice vinegar is made from red yeast rice. Barley and sorghum are also used to make red rice vinegar. Chinese seafood dishes taste so delicious owing to the use of red rice vinegar.

4. Black Rice Vinegar:

This has a distinct flavor you cannot miss and the color, of course, is deeper. The taste of black rice vinegar is unique as it is made from grains like millet, sorghum, wheat and black glutinous rice. This vinegar is famously employed in Chinese dishes for its unique flavor and condiment value.

5. Seasoned Rice Vinegar:

This type of rice vinegar finds use in salad dressings, and as the name suggests, is nothing but white rice vinegar with added sugar, salt, and sometimes sake or MSG.

Uses Of Rice Vinegar:

Rice vinegar is essential vinegar used in salads, dipping sauces, stir fries and Asian style pickles. It is widely used in salad dressings for its subtle sweetness and flavor it lends to the recipe. The Asian cuisine draws from the distinct flavor of rice vinegar to lend an authentic taste to both vegetable and meat preparations, as well as hot and cold dishes.

• Rice vinegar is often used as salad dressing along with canola, olive or vegetable oil. The vinegar adds to the flavor of the salad.
• Asian sauces are so much a part of stir fry, and along with that a wee bit of rice vinegar lends flavor to the dish. Usually a teaspoon of rice vinegar added to sautéed vegetables with chicken is so good to taste, it will have you asking for more.
• Rice vinegar also doubles up as a cleaning agent and is used to clean floors, kitchen countertops, and bathrooms.

Health Benefits Of Rice Vinegar:

Rice vinegar, which is made from black or brown rice, is very much a part of our daily dishes as well as a cure for many health conditions. Mainly, rice vinegar can destroy bacteria and maintain optimal health.

1. Improves Energy Levels:

Rice vinegar, and especially black vinegar, helps improve your energy levels.

2. Functions As An Antiseptic:

Brown rice vinegar can destroy bacteria and is widely used as an antiseptic.

3. Discourages Lactic Acid Build-Up:

Brown rice vinegar is rich in amino acids that discourage the build-up of lactic acid that can increase tiredness, stiffness and irritability.

4. For Overall Good Health:

The amino acids in brown rice vinegar keep us healthy by inhibiting the formation of two fatty peroxides that can be detrimental to the body.

5. Blood Thinning Properties:

Black rice vinegar has immense health benefits and can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is also well known for its blood thinning properties.

Rice Wine And Rice Wine Vinegar:

Rice wine, or known popularly as sake, has been in use in China for more than 4,000 years. It is an alcoholic drink distilled from rice. The making of rice wine resembles beer preparation, although it is called rice wine.

Many people are often confused between rice wine and rice wine vinegar. The main difference between rice wine and rice vinegar is the addition of bacteria that converts the alcohol in the wine into acid. The two cannot be interchanged as rice vinegar is fermented and will alter the taste of a recipe that requires rice wine.

Just like rice vinegar, rice wine vinegar is also available in different varieties such as the ones prepared from red yeast rice, brown rice and black glutinous rice flavor. Rice wine vinegar is mildly sweet and subtle, and improves the taste of salad dressings and dipping sauces.

Types Of Rice Wine Vinegar:

Rice wine vinegar is also available in black, white and red and could be clear or amber in color. Clear rice wine vinegar is readily available in the market. All these varieties are made from fermented rice wine, and some of them come with seasoning while others do not.

The Japanese love to use a lighter version of rice wine vinegar while the Koreans use a stronger flavor in their rice wine. Rice wine vinegar is available in a variety of flavors that includes oregano, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Uses Of Rice Wine Vinegar:

1. Sushi rice, a world famous Japanese dish, uses rice wine vinegar to add to the distinct flavor (2).
2. Chinese chefs prefer black vinegar, especially in their stir fry recipes.
3. Rice wine vinegar doubles up as a light vinaigrette or even as a quick cooking marinade.
4. Lends a unique flavor when used in salads or when just sprinkled across cooked vegetables.
5. Can be used to thicken sauces, especially while making Chinese dishes.
6. Great salad dressing when combined with olive or vegetable oil.

Rice Wine Vinegar Health Benefits:

Being rich in essential amino acids, rice wine vinegar is famous for its medicinal benefits (3). Rice wine vinegar made from brown rice contains 20 essential amino acids that can help cleanse the body. Fatty peroxides contained in rice wine vinegar prevent the build-up of cholesterol and keep the body healthy. The acetic acid in rice wine vinegar gives a boost to the digestive system.

1. Fights toxins and improves the working of the immune system
2. Prevents the build-up of harmful cholesterol
3. Aids the absorption of nutrients in the body
4. Provides essential nutrients and minerals

So, Are Rice Vinegar And Rice Wine Vinegar The Same?

You must know that all types of rice vinegar are prepared by fermenting the sugars from rice into an alcohol such as wine, and then fermenting the wine into acetic acid. The only difference between rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar is in the labeling. Rice wine vinegar and rice vinegar are essentially made from the same ingredients.

The next time you reach out for the bottle of rice vinegar, know that this famous ingredient is not only spicing up the flavor and taste of your food, but is also a fabulous treat for your health!

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by Daiwik Suresh Gejji via STYLECRAZE