How to Store Vinegar

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Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: November 29, 2024

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Many foods are stored in vinegar. But did you know that vinegar itself should be stored properly? Here is how.

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Vinegar is acidic. As such, it should not be stored in containers made from brass, copper, iron or tin or corrosion and leaching will set in, creating reactions between the metals and the vinegar and therefore damaging the food. The safest container for storing vinegar in is glass.
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Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place. You can even put it into the refrigerator. Although vinegar is the product of wine having gone bad, vinegar can also go bad after a while and it tends to lose flavor after it is opened. Store for around 6 months; after a year you will probably find that the vinegar doesn't taste as good as it did when first purchased.^{[1]
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- Fruit and herb vinegars are best kept in the refrigerator as this keeps their flavor at its best.^{[2]
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In between use, avoid contact with air by ensuring that the lid is on properly. Don't leave the lid off for storage.^{[3]
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How do I store apple cider vinegar, olive oil, etc. when temperatures in my house often reach 95 degrees?

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In a cool, dark place in a container with a tight lid. A refrigerator is the best idea.

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Can I store vinegar in plastic containers?

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It's not a really good idea to store vinegar in plastic containers. Vinegar is acidic, so it will eat away at your container until there is a hole.

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Do flavored vinegars have to be stored in the refrigerator after opening?

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Yes.

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Tips

Read the "best by" date but treat this with some laxity because the vinegar will usually be fine for a while after this date.^{[4]
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Balsamic vinegar will become cloudy over time; this is normal.

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Warnings

Leaded crystal glass should not be used to store vinegar, because lead might be leached from the glass and end up in the vinegar.

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Discard any vinegar that smells rank or musty.

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