In article >, Frogleg
> wrote:

> On 10 Oct 2003 09:57:22 -0700, (Carnivore269)
> wrote:
>
> >Frogleg > wrote
> >> On 9 Oct 2003 13:15:24 -0700, (xyz) wrote:
> >>
> >> >Are there any condiments that aren't made with vinegar? It seems like
> >> >everything I look at contains vinegar - ketchup, mayonnaise, salad
> >> >dressing. I prefer not to be pickled - at least while I'm still
> >> >alive.
> >>
> >> A "condiment" is a spicy or savory compliment to foods. You can make
> >> salad dressing and mayonnaise with lemon juice instead of vinegar, if
> >> that pleases you. But most relishes, chutneys, and savory sauces
> >> contain vinegar. For a reason, one assumes. I don't think there's any
> >> chance of becoming "pickled" by a pickle (or smoked from eating lox,
> >> or fried by a visit to KFC). Acidic ingredients (vinegar, wine,
> >> citrus) are rather too common to avoid.
> >
> >Sometimes tho', vinigar is _not_ a flavor I want.... so you just have
> >to read the bottles, or learn to make your own stuff.
>
> I mis-spoke/mis-wrote "most...contain vinegar." I should have said
> most contain acidic ingredients -- vinegar, citrus, etc. I have no
> idea of the relative acidity of lemon juice as opposed to vinegar
> (Barb?), but if the OP didn't want to be pickled from the inside,
> he/she'd do well to stay away from lemonade, too. :-)
>
> What *does* the "5% acidity" label on a bottle of kitchen vinegar mean
> anyhow? 5% the strength of pure hydrochloric acid?

Based on info regarding canning tomatoes, measure for measure, lemon
juice is more acidic than vinegar (the recommendation is to use 2 tbsp
lemon juice per quart or 4 tbsp of 5% acidity vinegar, or 1/2 tsp of
citric acid granules/powder). I'd never use vinegar for tomatoes --
that much will affect the flavor. And I'm not nuts about lemon juice,
either. I'm a happy user of citric acid when I need to acidify
something I'm canning.

That said, I've got a conserve on the stove right now that to which I've
added red wine vinegar. Hoo-hoo-hoo, this stuff is so good!
--
-Barb (www.jamlady.eboard.com updated 10-10-03; check the PickleHats tab)