Herb Vinegars – Some interesting combinations

« The Herbal Corner |

There are several types of vinegars that are recommended for use in herbal vinegars white wine, champagne, red wine, apple cider, or rice wine. Make sure whatever vinegar you choose is at least 5% acidic. Each vinegar has its own special properties and flavors, so experiment with different vinegars and different herbs combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started.

White wine vinegar

or champagne is best used when a mild flavor is desired and when the color of the finished product is important.

Some single herb or fruit vinegars using white wine vinegar are:

  • opal basil
  • chive blossom
  • blueberry
  • raspberry
  • strawberry
  • blackberry
  • lavender flowers
  • rose petals
  • violets
  • mint

Some combinations using white wine vinegar are:

  • basil, parsley, fennel and garlic
  • tarragon, dill, basil and lemon balm
  • mint, lemon balm, and lemon basil
  • orange mint, coriander seeds, garlic and orange zest.
  • borage, dill and shallots
  • marjoram, salad burnet, thyme, tarragon, parsley, and chives
  • rosemary, orange peel, raisins, and garlic
  • lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, and lemon zest
  • blueberries, lemon thyme, and a cinnamon stick
  • blueberries, orange mint, and orange zest
  • blackberries, lemon balm and a cinnamon stick
  • peaches and peeled ginger root
  • raspberries, rose geranium, and rose-petals
  • green onions, green peppercorns, thyme, marjoram and a bay leaf
  • cucumber, dill seed, and dill leaves.

Red wine vinegar

has a stronger flavor and can be used with stronger flavored herbs such as basil, rosemary, and tarragon.

Some combinations using red wine vinegar are:

  • lemon thyme, rosemary, and black peppercorns
  • Thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil
  • cilantro, garlic, and fresh ginger root
  • sage, parsley, and shallots
  • raspberries, and thyme
  • rosemary, savory, sage, basil, bay, and garlic
  • sweet cherries, anise seed, and tarragon
  • cranberries, orange mint, orange zest, and a cinnamon stick
  • nasturtium flowers and leaves, shallot, garlic & red pepper

Apple cider vinegar

Some combinations using apple cider vinegar are:

  • Dill, bay, and garlic
  • dill, mustard seeds, lemon balm and garlic

Rice vinegar

Add combinations with rice vinegar are:

  • chive blossoms, and garlic chive blossoms
  • calendula, lemon thyme, lemon basil flowers, and mint flowers