I write a lot about infused vinegars ~ for healing, for hair care, as fabulous flavour enhancers in your kitchen. Flavoured vinegars have become a mainstay in my home. They provide 'that little something' from apps to desserts. Do you infuse herbs into your life? If you want to learn more, there is plenty of that going on here at Studio Botanica.. It's rather a healthy obsession for me! Why not start with a simple vinegar infusion and make this easy "Harvest Vinaigrette"?
Probably the easiest way to use herb-infused vinegar?
A light 'house dressing' for your salad; easy to make from home-created or store-bought herb-infused vinegars.
Whisk 2 parts oil to 1 part vinegar to start the process.
I love to use Dijon mustard, and or a quick shot of lemon juice, a dash of salt and a hearty grind of pepper along with some minced fresh herbs!!
What is growing in your gardens? What is available at the farmers' markets?
I have Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Lemon Balm, Oregano, Mints (spearmint, peppermint, orange mint) plus Basils, Marjoram ... Habanero peppers (yikes!)
My wee herb gardens are in barrels or in raised beds so tend to last longer into the season; yay! More harvest vinaigrette in my future!
Apple Cider Vinegar infused with fresh rose petals
I tend to use cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive oil (now called EEOO in foodie circles LOL) but sometimes add a dash of toasted sesame oil or avocado oils.
I NEVER recommend CANOLA oil....that's another story.
Other options? Raw honey, Maple Syrup, minced garlic or pesto. Endless ideas.
For more info about some of my favourite infused vinegars, go here or here!
The only limits really are 1. imagination 2. budget
Infused vinegars are
a. good for you
b. a flavourful addition to your 'cuisine'
Chop nutritious herbs like fresh Stinging Nettle into Apple Cider vinegar + nourish your bones!
Infused vinegars can be used in soups, stews, stir-fries, in BBQ sauces and virtually wherever lemon, lime, plain vinegar or wine are called for in a recipe! Flavoured vinegars are not limited to herb-infused concoctions, although they tend to be my favourites! Experiment!
HOW to make your very own infused vinegar for Harvest Vinaigrette!
Harvest Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- Your herb s of choice
- Apple Cider vinegar
- Glass canning jar with lid
Instructions
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Pick fresh herb(s) and fill your glass jar of choice about ¾ of the way full.
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Fill almost to the top with apple cider vinegar (covering herbs by 1 inch)
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Poke the herbs with a wooden spoon or chopstick to allow air bubbles to release
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Place the herbs and vinegar on a counter or in a warm sunny window until the vinegar takes on the rich pungent taste and odor of the herb.
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For a stronger vinegar, discard the spent herbs and repeat the process.
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This is called ‘double infusion’ and creates a double strength vinegar.
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When the vinegar is completed (3-4 weeks), strain and rebottle.
Recipe Notes
Classic Vinaigrette (ratio 1:3)
1 part vinegar to 3 parts olive oil.
Put them in a cup,
Whisk together
Add S + P
Why not try a fruit vinegar?
Raspberries tend to be the most popular, but any berry or fruit can infuse a vinegar ~ probably in this case, a white wine or rice wine vinegar would allow the glorious colours to shine through.
FRUIT VINEGAR
Place the lightly mashed fruit (and herbs if using) into a large glass jar.
Add the vinegar - enough to completely cover all the fruit.
Place lid on the jar and secure. Store for a week, stirring or shaking every day or so.
Strain the mixture into a large measuring cup. Note the amount.
Pour into a stainless steel pot.
(Optional : Add between ¼ cup organic sugar
OR ½ cup to ¾ cup of raw honey for every 4 cups of vinegar in the pot.)
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
Do NOT allow the mixture to boil.
Skim off any foam that forms.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Use a funnel if possible to pour into clean bottles.
Put lids/caps on bottles securely and label noting the fruit, type of vinegar and date bottled..
Enjoy!
If these ideas appeal to you but you don't want to make them at home, infused vinegars are available these days at farmers markets and all grocery stores.
One change that can truly benefit your bones?
Include infused vinegars in your meals!! Infused vinegar helps us to hold onto calcium from our veggies!
Check out this post about specific herbs for bone health in vinegars!
So again -- classic 'formula' for a simple vinaigrette:
1 part vinegar to 3 parts olive oil.
Put them in a cup,
Whisk together
Add S + P
Toss into your salad.
Here's to our health ~ one choice at a time!
green wishes to you.. Carol
p.s. this post would not be complete without a comment about my first ever infused vinegar .. from years back.. with love from my mentor Rosemary Gladstar..
Fire Cider -- here's how to make this classic traditional infused remedy! I'm honoured to be a part of an upcoming book all about Fire Cider. So excited.
It's available here for pre-order (via Amazon Affiliate link)
Daniela Modesto
This looks so good Carol!! It's amazing what herbs can do!! :)
Kristen Wood
I love how simple this process is - it sounds delicious!!
Carol Little
It is simple AND so good.. Hope you try it and enjoy.
Jenni LeBaron
What a brilliant idea to use fresh rose petals in vinegar for salads. We often do chive blossoms in the spring but I haven't been more adventurous than that so far. I can't wait to try this with more herbs and flowers now!
Carol Little
Thanks Jenni! I hope you do indeed try infused vinegars. It's fun and flavourful and .. addictive!!
Linda
Never thought how easy it is to make this infused vinegar. I do enjoy it over BBQ...anything BBQ and now I can't wait to try this at home.
Carol Little
SO easy. Hope you make it and enjoy!!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Simple and delicious! Way better to make your own than buying something from the store that's full of junk!
paleoglutenfreeguy
I love the taste of fresh herbs in anything but I never would've thought to make my own infused vinegar. Thanks for the instructions!
jen
These all sound so interesting and easy . .. I love the idea of the fruit ones! A must make!
linda spiker
We love infused vinegars! Yours are so pretty. Can't wait to try them!
STACEY CRAWFORD
Such a great idea & so versatile! Can't wait to get some fresh herbs and try this!
Joni Gomes
Wow I've never thought to try this! Now that I am growing my own herbs I will need to make this myself!
Carol Little
Great Joni! I hope you go wild with these ideas!!
ChihYu
Love this vinaigrette that's healing! The infused vinegar adds so many delicious layers of flavor!
Carol Little
True. Unlimited possibilities too!
Tessa Simpson
I love making my own vinaigrette...so many ways to personalize!
Carol Little
Agreed! I don't recall the last time I purchased 'salad dressing' -- always make some sort of vinaigrette!
Megan Stevens
I need to do this, how fun, delicious and healthful!
Carol Little
Megan.. it IS fun and the combinations sometimes surprising which add to this healthy 'addiction'!
Hope you make some!
Raia Todd
I love how simple this is! I can't wait to try it. :)
Carol Little
I hope you have fun with this Raia-- you are so creative. I bet you will!
Karen O'Brien
Infused vinegars are the best! My favorite from this year was a lavender-raspberry made with champagne vinegar. Heavenly!
carollittle
Karen, thanks so much for your comment. It's been years since I've used champagne vinegar but thanks for the reminder! I guess I'm always about the 'healing aspects' of Apple Cider but the lavender-raspberry combo sounds fabulous!
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