Reviewing the Rare Kind: Red Vinegar

Red vinegar is made from red rice, barley, and sorghum. It sometimes also has pandan leaves which impart its sweet taste. Red vinegar has a distinct taste and aroma. It is made from rice wine, which is fermented with ginger and other spices. The color of Red Vinegar is dark red to brown, depending on the type. It has a slightly sweet taste and sour flavor that can be used in salads, marinades or dipping sauces.

Red vinegar is mildly acidic with a salty flavor. It can be clear or pale to dark brownish red in color—and it’s the perfect dipping sauce for seafood as well as potstickers and fried noodles!

It is not as widely used in Pakistan since our traditional recipes do not include much red vinegar. However, it is a popular dip for dumplings in China, and it is also used for pickling vegetables.

So, whenever I am making Chinese  at home, I do use red vinegar. It brings out an authentic taste of traditional Chinese dishes. 

However, there are only limited options available in the market so while searching for the options out there, I stumbled upon Borges Red Wine Vinegar. And here is my take on it.

I have also rated the following red vinegar based on authenticity, price, and availability.

The Best Red Vinegar Out There

Borges Red Wine Vinegar

Borges Red Wines Vinegar is made in Spain and is imported in Pakistan. Do not worry, it is halal-certified. It is made by fermenting non-alcoholic wine for several months in wooden barrels. This gives the vinegar its tangy, and well-rounded taste.  I have been using Borges red vinegar for quite sometime and it surely provides a very authentic taste to my Chinese recipes. 

In fact, a lot of my friends and family members have asked about the difference in my cooking, and I sheepishly smile, handing them bottles of Borges Red Wine Vinegar. The only downside is that it is not widely available and is the only brand to be providing red wine vinegar. It is a bit pricey too  compared to other brands  of vinegar.

FAQs

What is red vinegar used for?

Red wine vinegar has a distinctive tangy flavor and is frequently used in Mediterranean cooking. It’s a popular choice for vinaigrettes, as well as marinades and pickling solutions.

Is red grape vinegar the same as red wine vinegar?

No, red grape vinegar is not the same as red wine vinegar. The key difference between the two is that red grape vinegar is made from red grapes whereas red wine vinegar is made using red wine.

Is red vinegar the same as white vinegar?

No, red vinegar is not the same as white vinegar. In general, red wine vinegar is made by fermenting red wine while white wine vinegar is produced through a similar process involving the fermentation of white wines. 

While it’s true that red-wine vinegar tends to have a stronger flavor than its counterpart, this difference is not as drastic as one might think.