For canning recipes that require pickling you should always use a type of
vinegar that is at least 5% acidity. All vinegars will give you their tested
acidity on the bottle or jug so make sure you are using the minimum percentage.
In all pickling recipes the type of vinegar can be interchanged. You can use an
apple cider vinegar in place of a white. The flavor will differ but as long as
they are both at least 5% acidity your canning will be safe.
There are a few vinegars that I have researched that do not come
commercially in 5% acidity. Rice vinegar is one of them. Yes there are rice
vinegars that to meet the minimum but they are combined with other acids to
bring up the percentage. The highest rice vinegar on the market is 4.3% from Marukan. I have called the company and explained that canners would use Rice Vinegar at a higher percentage, but sales would need to be higher for them to consider producing this bottle. You may
think that its only 1% difference but the level of acidity is key in preserving
the food in the jars without creating a growth of bacteria.
Below are the most common types of vinegars on the market. Any brand will work as long as you are checking the label for the 5% acidity!White Vinegar
White
vinegar can be made by oxidizing a distilled alcohol. It can be used for
cleaning as well as culinary and canning uses. Most brands are 5% acidity –
perfect for pickling cucumbers, vegetables, and fermentation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple
cider vinegar is made from cider or apple. Most brands are 5% acidity – perfect
for pickling fruits and vegetables, and often used in fermentation for a
sweeter taste.
Wine Vinegar
Wine
vinegar is made from red wine or white wine. It is widely used in Central
Europe and Mediterranean countries. Most brands are 5% acidity – is great for
pickling strawberries andmelons and gives a great taste to pickled beets.
Rice
Vinegar
Rice
vinegar is available in red, white and black. It is widely used in Japan and
China mainly for the preparation of salad dressings. Rice vinegar does not come
in 5% acidity straight out of the bottle. You can find some combination rice
vinegars that have added some additional ingredients to increase the acidity.
Leaves a flowery flavor to foods that are pickled.
Fruit
Vinegar
Fruit
vinegar is made from fruits without additional flavors. Apple, tomato,
raspberry, pomegranate and quince are some of the fruit flavors used for making
this vinegar. Each of these types of vinegars will vary in their acidity but
all are over the 5%. These varieties added in canning chutneys give off
some amazing flavors after they have mellowed in the jars for several months.
Malt
Vinegar
Malt
vinegar is made by malting barley. Most brands are 5% acidity or higher. Great
for pickling. Popular in the UK for pickling walnut meats.
Balsamic
Vinegar
Balsamic
vinegar is made from cooked grapes. It is widely used in Italian cuisines. Also
fantastic to use in fruit jams as an added flavor. Balsamic is at least 5%
acidity but not recommended in brine pickling your cucumbers, fruits, or in
fermentation, as the flavor is very sweet.
