Identifying the quality of vinegar can be done from the following aspects:
1. View label and ingredient list: Execution standard: Check the execution standard on the vinegar bottle, such as GB18187 which is the national food standard number for brewing vinegar, indicating that the product meets the basic requirements for brewing vinegar. Total acidity: Total acidity is an important indicator for measuring the quality of vinegar. Generally speaking, the total acidity of vinegar should be greater than or equal to 3.5g/100ml. The higher the total acidity, the richer the taste of vinegar, and it is more resistant to bacterial contamination and easy to store. Ingredients: High quality vinegar should be brewed from grains without adding alcohol, salt, sugar, spices, etc. Pay attention to whether there are additives, preservatives, pigments, etc., such as caramel color as a pigment and sodium benzoate as a preservative, which may affect the quality and health value of vinegar.
2. Observing appearance and color: Color: Pure rice vinegar is amber in color, with a slight golden hue and semi transparent luster; Aged vinegar is brown or brownish black in color. High quality vinegar is clear in liquid form, free from suspended solids and sediment, and free from moldy floating film. Sediment: Brewing vinegar may contain organic sediment, and the presence of sediment or flocs indicates that it was brewed. However, it should be noted that vinegar stored for a long time without sediment and flocculent substances may have quality issues.
3. Smell and Taste: Smell: High quality vinegar has a strong vinegar flavor, with a light aroma and a taste of grain. However, inferior vinegar has a pungent odor and an unnatural smell. Taste: Taste vinegar in small sips. True vinegar is naturally sour, naturally sweet, and naturally fragrant. If the taste of vinegar is too stimulating, unnatural, or only sour without any other flavor, it may be inferior vinegar.
4. Shake foam: When brewing vinegar shakes, it will produce rich and delicate foam, which will last forever. When inferior vinegar shakes, a big foam will appear and disappear soon. The quality of vinegar can be quickly identified by shaking foam.
Identification of vinegar requires comprehensive consideration of label information, appearance, color, smell, taste, foam and other aspects. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose legitimate channels to purchase products from well-known brands and carefully check the product labels and instructions.