SC - Vinegar

[Christine A Seelye-King]

Well, I'm up way too late trying to finish my article for my Co-Op's
newsletter, and this month's article is on vinegar.  I came across some
more information on the coal tar connection, and thought it might be of
interest here.   BTW, Stephen, the Florilegium is in my bibliography!
Christianna

"Vinegar can be made from anything which contains sugar or starch:
fruits, grains and sugar holding beverages.  Raw, unprocessed vinegar
contains the cobweb-like 'mother', a microbial mat that forms the basis
for the fermentation.  It is rich in enzymes and minerals such as
potassium, phosphorus, natural organic sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron,
copper, natural pectin and trace minerals.  Distilling kills off most of
these beneficial aspects of vinegar, leaving it good for cleaning, but
not for health.  
In the late 1800s chemists learned to make acetic acid from coal tar.
Manufacturers added water to reduce its strength to 5%, colored it and
sold it as vinegar.  Imitation vinegar is still manufactured and by law
the label must state that it is diluted acetic acid. Diluted acetic acid
is inexpensive and lacks the vitamins, minerals and esters found in
fermented vinegar; its flavor and aroma are also inferior.  However, due
to its low cost, it remains one of the most popular vinegars in
supermarkets today. "

So, read those labels! 
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