Simply superb berry vinegar
By Sari Huhtala
Try this simple recipe with fresh-picked local strawberries, blueberries or raspberries to create your own flavourful vinegars that are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. It makes a perfect base for a vinaigrette for your favourite summer salad.
Strawberry vinegar
- 2 cups strawberries, washed and sliced
- 1 cup white balsamic vinegar (or white condiment/white wine condiment)
- 2 tbsp raw honey, or more if desired
Place washed, sliced strawberries into a clean 4-cup Mason jar. In a small saucepan heat the white balsamic vinegar just to the point before it boils. Remove from heat and stir in raw honey. Pour over the strawberries and give it a shake to cover the berries. Cap with a plastic lid, or use a piece of parchment paper to cover the jar before sealing with a metal lid. Set aside in a cool, dark place for about 5-6 days.
Once vinegar is ready, use cheesecloth to strain the berries fully from the vinegar. Leaving plants/berries in the vinegar, or any menstruum, may lead to mold. Remove all plant life. I place the cheesecloth over a clean, sterilized jar, then place a wide-mouth funnel on top of the cheesecloth and slowly pour the berries on top to strain the vinegar. Squeeze as much vinegar out as possible. Seal and store.
Stores at room temperature for about 4-6 months.
Follow the same recipe for other berries. If using blueberries, mash them slightly before adding the vinegar. Then, when straining the berries from the vinegar, avoid squeezing the cheesecloth to prevent cloudiness from the blueberries.
Berry vinaigrette recipe
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1/8 cup berry vinegar
- 1 tbsp raw honey, or to taste
Place all ingredients in a jar and shake. Store at room temperature, or in fridge.
Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007. She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshop, and My Farmacy workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 plus years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca
