Should it be stored in the fridge or the pantry?
And how long does vinegar actually last?
Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized Vinegar
Made by fermentation, vinegar is a combo of acetic acid and water.
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It can be pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Pasteurized vinegars are more commonly found and they are the ones you will see at the grocery store.
It means they’re not living anymore, for those that want the raw probiotics of a live culture.
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They’re heated up to kill bacteria, Turkell explains.
You will most likely find unpasteurized vinegar in a refrigerated section.
Where To Store Vinegar
Keep your vinegar in a cool, dark place.
To keep it from degrading quickly, keep it cold, like in the refrigerator.
Only buy what you need rather than those discount gallon jugs that sit under your sink, Turkell says.
And keep vinegar away from your pantry above the stove, which heats them up way too often.
Those fluctuations in temperature aren’t great for quality and consistency.
If it goes acetone (smells like nail polish) it might be over oxidized.
When vinegar is stored in a humid environment, more water can go into it from the excess moisture.
Instead, it will start fermenting again, and not necessarily in a good way.
If you taste vinegar that isnt fresh, youll know right away you shouldnt be eating it.
It just might leave a bad taste in your mouth and gurgle in your stomach.
