Organic Rice Vinegar - Eat Wholesome - 500ml

Derived from the French word ‘vin aigre,’ (sour wine) the solution holds various uses and has been a beneficial item for thousands of years, used in cooking, as a preservative, medicine, and even wellness drink. Today, Vinegar is just as popular. What Is Vinegar? Vinegar is made up of either complex carbohydrates (barley, potatoes, rice) or simple sugars (apples, honey, grapes) and is fermented into an alcoholic product (using acetic acids). This acidic bacterium uses the alcohol and oxygen within the vinegar solution to create the memorable sour flavouring that vinegar holds. The process of fermentation can take weeks or even months to create high-quality natural vinegar (some can take up to 25 years). However, with industrialised methods, vinegar can be made and sold in bigger batches and in half the time (take note on any preservatives or additives that come alongside this). Have a look for vinegars in supermarkets, you can even take to buying vinegar online. Different Types of Vinegar Red Red vinegar refers to Red-Wine Vinegar and traditional Chinese Rice Vinegar. Red wine vinegar is made predominantly from fermented wine. It holds a tolerable fruity flavour, and can be used in marinades and vinaigrettes. Chinese rice vinegar is made from Chinese red rice yeast and is used in lots of seafood and salad dishes. It has a tart flavouring and tends to have a less acidic affect compared to other vinegars. Both vinegars leave a pink/red colouring on the food, and both come with some potential health benefits. Some of these include- improved digestion, blood pressure, blood clots, inflammation, blood sugar control, and a boost to the immune system. White White vinegar, or ‘distilled’ or ‘spirit’ vinegar, is a type of fermented vinegar that is made from ethanol. Fermentation of grain alcohol creates acetic acid, which is the main bacterium found in our day-to-day vinegars. After its souring, water is added to this mixture to create a 95 (water) to 5 (acetic acid) ratio. Unlike red vinegar, white vinegar is not usually used in cooking. Instead, it is used for all things cleaning: showers, taps, toilets, glass, counters, drains, and washing machines. You can use this vinegar alone in cleaning, or pair it with bicarbonate soda. The chemical reaction between vinegar and bicarbonate soda creates a fizzy mixture which is an easier blend of chemicals to clean with compared to thin vinegar liquid. Balsamic Vinegar Originating, and predominantly made in Italy, Balsamic vinegar is a brown concentrated vinegar made with unfermented grapes (skin, seeds, stems). The vinegar has a strong tart taste to it, and is a great flavour to add to bland dishes. Though it is known to be added to savoury dishes, when reduced, it turns into a sticky thick liquid which can be added to desserts such as ice cream. Apple Cider Apple Cider Vinegar is simply made from crushed fermented apples, sugar and yeast. Though sometimes it is used in salad dressings and vinaigrettes, it has also been used as a medicinal product throughout history. Over the last ten years it has become popular within the world of wellness, used to help with weight loss, heartburn, balancing cholesterol levels and can be used as a probiotic for good gut health. Linking to this, an interesting fact about apple cider vinegar is it is one of the only types that is completely unpasteurised. Cooking With Vinegar In the kitchen, vinegar can be a versatile ingredient. It can transform many meals by taking different affects to a wide range of dishes. Cooking vinegar can be used in sauces, desserts, marinades, vinaigrettes, and even cocktails. The unusual flavour can enhance sweetness and saltiness, and block out heat and fatty flavours. In baking, the acetic acid enhances texture, and can help rise baked goods. In order of pickling foods, we use distilled white vinegar, wine vinegar, cider vinegar, or malt vinegar for preservation. It all depends on your pickle tasting preference. They all range in PH acidity, hence why they all come with different flavours.

Did you know you can make your meal happier, by using organic food? The 'Happier Meal’ is a showcase of the nutritional benefits of organic food. The meal, launched by the The Soil Association explores the science of gut health and the health benefits of shifting to organic whole food ingredients. It aims to inspire people to consider changing an product in every meal to organic. Organic produce have better nutritional profile Multiple studies have proved that due to the production methods the nutritional profile of organic food is different than the conventional non-organic food. Organic vegetables are higher in antioxidants such as polyphenols because they are not sprayed with fertilisers and pesticides. So they can help boost your immunity in a more effective way. The Happier Meal was created in collaboration with nutritionists, farmers and cooking experts. This includes celebrity eco-chef Tom Hunt, award-winning nutritionist Michaella Mazzoni and organic farmer Ben Andrews. The guide for Happier Meal is available online and includes both the beef and the vegan burger recipe. If you want to create your own Happier Meal at home just follow the recipe using all the organic ingredients. The happier versions of the burgers can feature fermented foods, like kimchi and be enjoyed paired with fermented drinks like kombucha, which support a healthy gut. Nutritionist Michaella Mazzoni said: "Choosing organic isn't just about what's on your plate; it's about overall wellbeing. There are holistic benefits of choosing organic that extend beyond the plate and simply swapping one or two elements of a dish to organic can make a world of difference.” Fermented foods have been known for centuries Kombucha which is a fermented tea, has been consumed in Asia for thousands of years. It is brewed from green tea or black tea which are full of antioxidants. When fermented it becomes a fizzy soft drink that is naturally high in healthy probiotics and live cultures bacteria that support the gut health and helps digestion. If you make kombucha from organic tea, it will have 69% more antioxidants, and it is free from pesticides or fertilisers which are harmful for health. Michaela Mazzoni said: "Kombucha is not only delicious, but it is also low in sugar and brimming with probiotics and antioxidants. It contributes to overall wellbeing so we're loving it for its natural goodness!"

What is Organic September? Soil Association founded Organic September as a campaign aiming to raise awareness about organic foods and their benefits to our health and the environment. Organic September celebrates all the organic food producers do for climate, nature, and the health of people. What is organic farming? Organic farming is a way of growing crops without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. This way of farming aims to keep the soil and nature healthy.Organic foods are not grown with any chemicals and are not genetically modified. Moreover, they don't contain any artificial colours, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. Why are organic foods healthier? Being an organic food producer is not easy. In order to supply organic products, organic farmers and manufacturers must follow strict regulations, allow inspections every year and are obliged to acquire accreditation from an official certification body. For foods and drinks to have the organic certificate, at least 95 per cent of the ingredients must come from organic sources. Why is organic food better for the planet? According to Soil Association data, if the entire Europe switched to an organic food and farming system, there would be a 40 %drop in emissions. Half of this drop would result from a cut in the use of fossil fuel-based nitrogen fertilisers. Organic farming reduces the risk of environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by restricting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides made from burning fossil fuels. Organic farmers must build fertile soils naturally, avoid monoculture and rotate their crops to keep the soil healthy. Organic farming is better for our nature and wildlife. Intensive farming practices, especially pesticide use, are the primary drivers of wildlife decline. Organic farms are homes for bees, birds and butterflies. According to the Soil Association, plant, insect and bird life is 50% more abundant on organic farms, and there are around 75% more wild bees on organic farms. Where can I buy organic food? You can buy organic foods in online whole food shops like Whole Food Earth. You will find a vast collection of healthy organic whole foods, including organic nuts, organic seeds, organic legumes, organic flours and more.