Chive blossom vinegar is a fun way to use these flavorful edible flowers in season. They infuse their mild, spicy garlic flavor into the vinegar, all while turning it a stunning shade of pink. It’s perfect for marinades, salad dressing and anywhere else you’d use either chives or vinegar.
Are you ready to elevate your culinary experiences with a splash of color and an aroma that’ll liven up your cooking? If so, it’s time for you to explore everything chive blossom vinegar has to offer. Marrying the oniony charm of chives and the subtle acidity of vinegar, chive blossom vinegar has a striking color and an even more striking flavor profile.
Chive blossom vinegar is a breathtaking infusion of fresh, edible chive blossoms into vinegar. It’s not just a vision of spring in a bottle – it also packs a flavor that’s perfect for brightening up salads, vinaigrettes, and savory dishes.
Apart from its aesthetic and undeniable flavor appeal, chive blossom vinegar also has a nutritional pedigree worth noting. Chive blossoms are nutrient dense, known for being rich in vitamins A and C, as well as beneficial minerals like magnesium and potassium. Many of us don’t think twice about using them in our cooking, but really, we should. These nutrients, when infused into vinegar, allow it to become not just a flavor enhancer – but a healthy touch to each meal.
Want to whip up a batch? It’s easier than you might think!
Ingredients for Chive Blossom Vinegar
The ingredients for making chive blossom vinegar are quite simple. To make , you’ll need the following:
- 2 cups chive blossoms (loosely packed)
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
You don’t have to use apple cider vinegar for this recipe – white wine vinegar and rice vinegar will work, too. However, apple cider vinegar tends to provide the best balance of sweetness and tang.
If you have an abundance of chive blossoms, feel free to scale up the recipe, maintaining a ratio of about 1 cup of blossoms to 1 cup of vinegar. This way, you can create even more bottles of chive blossom vinegar to give to friends. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with storing some extra for yourself, either!
And once you’ve mastered the art of chive blossom vinegar making, you can get even more creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other bloom infusions, like nasturtiums, violets, and even rose petals. Each of these will offer its own unique flavors, tastes, and textures. It’s a great way to make the most of your backyard garden – and your dinner plate.
How to Make Chive Blossom Vinegar
Begin by gathering fresh chive blossoms. Make sure they’re fully open but not yet starting to dry. Clean them gently under cold running water and dry with a cloth or allow to air dry until most of the moisture is gone.
Place the prepared chive blossoms in a clean jar. Fill the jar at least two-thirds full. Now, gently pour vinegar over the blossoms, making sure they’re completely submerged.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place (room temperature) for at least one to two weeks to allow the buds to fully impart their flavor and color into the vinegar. You’ll want to give it a gentle shake every so often to make sure they’re thoroughly infused.
After the infusion period, strain the chive blossoms from the vinegar using a fine mesh strainer, and reserve the vinegar.
Pour your chive blossom vinegar into a clean bottle or jar, and it’s ready to be used.
Remember, the real magic in this vinegar comes from the time you allow the chive blossoms to infuse into the vinegar. A sudden infusion, using heat, is also possible but may not yield quite the same rich flavor as a more patient approach.
Serving Chive Blossom Vinegar
With your bottle of chive blossom vinegar ready to go, the world is your oyster!
You can add chive blossom vinegar to just about any recipe your heart desires, from pasta to salads and so much more. But if you need some inspiration as you’re getting started, here are some suggestions:
- Combine the vinegar with a good quality olive oil, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt for a zesty, fresh salad dressing.
- Use chive blossom vinegar as the base for pickling red onions or cucumbers. The flavor and color infusion will turn any ordinary pickle into a gourmet delight.
- A splash of chive blossom vinegar over a bowl of ripe strawberries can sound unusual, but it’s tangy notes can beautifully accentuate the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Marinate fish or chicken in chive blossom vinegar before grilling or roasting. The vinegar’s acidity will help tenderize and flavor the meat with a subtle onion zest.
As for storing, your chive blossom vinegar can stay at room temperature for several months. However, refrigerating it will extend its shelf life and maintain its vibrant hue and flavor.
When you’re storing, make sure that the container is airtight, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. If you notice any change in color or an off smell, it may be a sign to discard and make a fresh batch.
Chive Blossom Vinegar
Chive blossom vinegar is a fun way to use these flavorful edible flowers in season. They infuse their mild, spicy garlic flavor into the vinegar, all while turning it a stunning shade of pink. It's perfect for marinades, salad dressing and anywhere else you'd use either chives or vinegar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chive blossoms (loosely packed)
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Collect fully open chive blossoms that are not yet starting to dry.
- Gently rinse the chive blossoms under cold running water and dry them using a cloth or allow them to air dry until most of the moisture is gone.
- Place the cleaned chive blossoms in a clean jar, filling it at least two-thirds full.
- Carefully pour vinegar over the chive blossoms until they are completely submerged in the jar.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place at room temperature for one to two weeks to allow the buds to infuse their flavor and color into the vinegar. Remember to give the jar a gentle shake occasionally to ensure thorough infusion.
- After the infusion period, strain the chive blossoms from the vinegar using a fine mesh strainer, and set the infused vinegar aside.
- Pour the chive blossom-infused vinegar into a clean bottle or jar for storage and immediate use.
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