All About Red wine vinegar
Your complete guide to red wine vinegar - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Red wine vinegar Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for red wine vinegar in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
opened refrigerator3-5 years (for best quality, indefinite for safety)
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to pantry storage, but any changes (cloudiness, sediment, 'mother' formation) will occur much more slowly. Mold is extremely unlikely due to the acidity and cold temperature. Significant off-odors are also highly improbable.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for clarity and absence of any unusual growth or excessive sediment. Smell test: It should retain its characteristic sharp, acidic aroma. Taste test (small amount): Confirm the flavor is still vibrant and acidic.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration is not strictly necessary for red wine vinegar due to its high acidity, but it can help preserve peak flavor and slow down the formation of a 'mother' for an even longer period. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors.
opened pantry2-3 years (for best quality, indefinite for safety)
Signs of Spoilage
Increased cloudiness, sediment at the bottom, formation of a 'mother' (a harmless, gelatinous mass of vinegar bacteria), slight dulling of the aroma or flavor over a very long period. Mold is highly unlikely but would be a clear sign of spoilage.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for clarity. While some cloudiness or sediment can occur naturally, excessive cloudiness or any visible mold indicates spoilage. A 'mother' is harmless but can be strained out if desired. Smell test: It should still smell distinctly acidic and wine-like. If it has a weak, flat, or significantly off-odor (e.g., yeasty, rancid), it might be past its prime. Taste test (small amount): If visual and smell tests are inconclusive, a tiny taste can confirm if the flavor is still sharp and acidic, or if it has become flat, weak, or developed an unpleasant off-taste.
Storage Tips
Always re-seal the bottle tightly after each use to minimize air exposure, which can slow down quality degradation and the formation of a 'mother'. Store in a cool, dark place. While the quality may degrade over time, it remains safe to consume for a very long period.
unopened pantryIndefinite (best quality for 3-5 years past 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Extremely rare for unopened vinegar. Possible signs could include significant cloudiness, mold growth (highly unlikely due to acidity), or a very strong, unpleasant off-odor.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for clarity. It should be clear and free of any visible mold or unusual particles. Smell test: Should have its characteristic sharp, acidic aroma. Any strong, putrid, or significantly off-smell would be a concern.
Storage Tips
Vinegar is highly acidic, making it self-preserving. The 'best by' date primarily refers to peak quality, not safety. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain optimal flavor.