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November 1st is National Vinegar Day. I don’t know about you but I remember as a child my mom using Vinegar to wash our hair in. Fast- forward today and I’ve learned Apple Cider Vinegar is supposed to help with weight loss. More than that I like using Vinegar in Beets and also Spinach. How about you. What do you use Vinegar for and why? Charlie said he uses it to clean the mirrors and window in his room.
Today we could be talking about a Science Class and a Science experiment and home remedy, and a cooking staple and a sour smell. Because we’re talking about and celebrating one of the mysteries of the kitchen that seems as at home under the sink as it does in the pantry: Vinegar. With so many uses, benefits, and recipes, it’s no wonder why the whole Country will be celebrating National Vinegar Day on November 1st.
For Charlie for Christmas I plan on getting Charlie Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought Of. if you know of other books about Vinegar leave me a comment and I will check them out this week,
If someone asked you what Vinegar is, could you explain it? I couldn’t. Typically vinegar falls under the umbrella of information we file away in the “things we say we know but hope no one will ask about” folder, along with how Pineapples grow and how Magnets work.
In short, Vinegar is made by fermenting something passed the point of an Alcoholic beverage until it’s acidic. This is why we have different kinds of Vinegars, just as we have different kinds of Wines and Liqueurs. Get ready to try something new and learn more about this complex concoction we rarely think twice about.
National Vinegar Day Activities
- here are several home remedies for common ailments that use the power of Vinegar. If you’ve been putting off trying these, or haven’t even heard of them, give it a go today. One of the most common is using Apple Cider Vinegar to improve gut health and acid reflux. Be careful though always dilute the Vinegar in Water to make it easier to drink, and use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
- There is no, better way to get kids interested in Science than promising exploding volcanoes, soaring rockets, and fire. Vinegar’s unique chemical properties mean fun and safe experiments that will have your kids wanting to learn more about chemical reactions.
- Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner, so get a jump on cleaning the house with a few tried and true Vinegar cleaning mixes. Mix Vinegar with Lemon for a powerful and natural bath and shower cleaner, or use Vinegar straight to brighten coffee cups. Vinegar can also be a lifesaver for getting tough stains out of your favorite fabrics.
Why People Love National Vinegar Day
Beyond the standard Volcano, Vinegar can play a powerful role in teaching kids about the basics of chemistry and there are several experiments that can show how CO2 interacts with fire, what Vinegar can do to an Egg, and how to build your own battery.
As far back as 5,000 BC, the Babylonians were believed to have fermented Palm Dates to create both Palm Wine and Palm Vinegar. We can only assume what they did with the Wine, but it’s what they did with the Vinegar that’s more interesting. This was most likely the first instance of Pickling to preserve foods to eat at a later time. 7,000 years later, this is still one of Vinegar’s most useful properties.
Vinegar’s unique taste and properties interact in great ways with common ingredients. Specifically, Vinegar can kick up a dish that’s lacking spunk, or save one that’s maybe a bit too Spicy for people. It only takes a few dashes though to make the food chemicals react, though, so be careful. Otherwise, you may end up eating Salt and Vinegar flavored everything.
Recipe for Pickled Beets
Prep Time:
10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Additional Time: 15 mins Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 60 Yield: 10 (1-pint) jars
Ingredients
Original recipe (1X) yields 60 servings
- 10 pounds fresh small beets, stems removed
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
- 1 quart white vinegar
- ¼ cup whole cloves, or as needed
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Place beets in a large stockpot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, inspect 10 pint-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until beets are ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
- Drain beets, reserving 2 cups of beet water. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel and discard skins.
- Fill each sterilized jar with beets. Evenly divide cloves among the jars.
- Combine sugar, 2 cups of beet water, vinegar, and pickling salt in a large saucepan; bring to a rapid boil. Pour the hot brine over the beets in the jars, and seal the lids.
- Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
