[ranat22]

just pulled a load of beetroot,noticed that the jar of sarsons pickling vinegar was opened of last year............is it still usable??

cheers...and sorry if it's in the wrong section 

[Johanna]

Hi Ranat,

The Vinegar Institute (yeah, I know there is such thing!) state this on their FAQ page:

How Long Does Vinegar Last?

The Vinegar Institute conducted studies to find out and confirmed that vinegar’s shelf life is almost indefinite. Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White distilled vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time. And, while some changes can be observed in other types of vinegars, such as color changes or the development of a haze or sediment, this is only an aesthetic change. The product can still be used and enjoyed with confidence.

So I'd say that yeah, your vinegar is still useable!

Johanna

[ranat22]

thanx for that 

[PeterP]

I just grow the beetroot for the Boss, pickling it is her job.
I know that she does her own spiced vinegar, and if there is too much, just saves it for the year after. I do the pickled onions and do the same. We even reuse the vinegar when jars are finished to put on fish 'n chips etc.
Pete

[stentman]

Hi Ranat,

The Vinegar Institute (yeah, I know there is such thing!) state this on their FAQ page:

How Long Does Vinegar Last? The Vinegar Institute conducted studies to find out and confirmed that vinegar’s shelf life is almost indefinite. Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White distilled vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time. And, while some changes can be observed in other types of vinegars, such as color changes or the development of a haze or sediment, this is only an aesthetic change. The product can still be used and enjoyed with confidence.

So I'd say that yeah, your vinegar is still useable!

Johanna

I too thought vinegar was not lifed. Yet last weekend when I purchased a 5ltr jar of pickling vinegar it had a small sticker on the cap stating best before 21-09-11. I asked the shop lady why and she explained they came from the supplier without a sell by date printed on the manufacturers label so the shop added a sticker because of regulations. What regulations she wasn't totally sure but felt it probably was an "EU Thing".

[A. Fallowfield]

Pickled beetroot?

[aqua]

oooo nice white ones - i hope mine come up that good