Cooking vinegar

Traditional cooking vinegar is a culinary staple and irreplaceable in the preparation of pickled foods. Vinegar also has a number of household uses. Here are 7 different ways you can use vinegar in the kitchen.

• Cooking fluffy rice: add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water once it comes to a boil.
• Tenderising meat: soak the meat in diluted vinegar for 24 hours.
• Cleaning vegetables: wash the vegetables in a solution of salt, vinegar and water. Any insects will float to the surface.
• Easier descaling of fish: rub the fish with vinegar 5 min before descaling.
• Neutralising onion smells: rub your fingers with vinegar before and after cutting onions.
• Cleaning hands after peeling fruit: rub your hands with vinegar.
• Cleaning your kettle: bring a solution of water and vinegar to the boil in the kettle. Pour out the liquid.

Vinegar is also known for its medicinal and relaxative properties. To soothe a sore throat, mix 1 cup of hot water with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of vinegar, gargle and drink. Enjoy as a relaxing drink by mixing one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and sweeten with honey.