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Coconut Vinegar

Coconut vinegar is derived from the toddy, or sap, of the coconut palm.  It is white in color and has something of a cloudy look to it.  Coconut vinegar possesses a sharp, acidic flavor and is used primarily in Asian cuisine.  Coconut vinegar is a frequent ingredient in dishes from both the Philippines and India.

Coconut vinegar is often available at larger grocery stores and is almost always easy to find in Asian specialty food stores.  Although not frequently used in the United States, coconut vinegar is a staple item in many Asian pantries.

Coconut vinegar can be used in a variety of ways.  Some have recommended it as an alternative to lemon zest in some recipes.  It can also be used in dressings for cold salads, especially those based on cabbage.

This exotic vinegar is known to be a great ingredient in recipes using salt fish.  The vinegar is said to reduce the saltiness of the fish and to help in creating a mellower flavor when added to sauces.

Cane Vinegar

Cane vinegar, as the name suggests, is derived from sugar cane juice.  However, if you are to buy cane sugar expecting a sweet flavor, you will be disappointed.  Little of the residual sugar remains in cane vinegar.  As a result, cane vinegar is said to have a taste somewhat similar to rice vinegar, only milder.

Cane vinegar is produced in Europe and the United States, but the primary nation of origin is the Philippines.

Cane vinegar can range in color from yellow to a mellow brown.  Cane vinegar is said to age well and has a long shelf life.

Cane vinegar often finds its way into sauces.  It is particularly popular in pepper-based hot sauces and shows up as a frequent ingredient in teriyaki sauces, as well.  Cane vinegar is a relatively flexible ingredient and can be used in place of other vinegars when a slightly milder flavor might be desired.

Raisin Vinegar

Vinegar made from raisins is a popular ingredient throughout the Middle East.  This cloudy brown vinegar is primarily produced in Greece and Turkey.

Raisin vinegar, which is known for its mild flavor can be used to create a sweet raisin vinaigrette salad dressing.  Raisin vinegar can be a good match for dishes involving eggplant.  Raising vinegar is sometimes noted as an alternative to balsamic vinegar in recipes.

We all know about the common vinegars we encounter in typical grocery stores every day.  However, there are other less common vinegars that do warrant attention.  Exotic vinegars such as coconut, cane and raisin types provide an opportunity for kitchen variety.  The vinegars each bring a unique flavor and quality with them, but are still similar enough to mainstream vinegars to allow cooks to comfortably experiment with them.  Their special tastes may very well suit some of your recipes even better than the typical variety with which you may be accustomed.

Running low on vinegar?  Though it’s fine to reach reflexively for another bottle of white or balsamic, consider searching the shelves for something else, too.  A bottle of coconut, cane or raisin vinegar might invigorate some of your existing meals while giving you a fun opportunity to play with new flavors.