In article >,
George Shirley > wrote:

> The Joneses wrote:
> > "Isabella Woodhouse" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> I was just wondering if vinegar loses any of its acidity after it sits
> >> (unopened) on the shelf awhile?
> >>
> >> Isabella
> >>
> > How old? How big an airspace, how many times opened (big jug = many
> > times?)?
> > I knew I should have checked something with that truly ancient cider
> > vinegar before I tossed it last month. Joy of Pickling mentions that
> > vinegar
> > is more evaporative than water, so speaking from a layperson's point of
> > view, I think it would depend on how truly ancient (the aforementioned was
> > probably over 8 years old), how many times you'd opened it, and the general
> > heat or something of the storage and kitchen used.
> > I know I've had unopened gallon jugs of vinegar maintain their integrity
> > for 3 years so far. That being a better quality commercial wine vinegar. No
> > mother or anything.
> > Overall, I'd increase the ratio of vinegar to water, if that applies, or
> > just toss it and buy some more. 'Specially if it looks or tastes off. m2cw
> > Edrena
> >
> >
> The active part of vinegar is acetic acid, shouldn't lose strength at
> all. The water added to get it down to 5% versus 20% or higher, might
> evaporate if the jug is left open for a long period of time, otherwise
> it should stay good damned near forever.

That is great to know, thanks!
--
"I will show you fear in a handful of dust"
-T.S. Eliot