Sakura Cherry Wood-Smoked Rice Vinegar – 200 ml

Description

We carry two versions of sakura cherrywood-smoked rice vinegar in our product line; this one is the unsweetened variety. The flavor and subtle smokiness are similar to the sweetened version, but this vinegar has a fresher and more pronounced acidity. It’s ideal if you want to control the balance yourself: use it straight in dressings, marinades, and sauces, or sweeten it to taste with a little honey or sugar for a milder, rounder flavor.

This unique smoked rice vinegar is produced using traditional methods by Hinode at the Tajima Brewery in Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県) in Japan. For more than 120 years, Hinode has specialized in making vinegar, among other things, according to traditional methods. For this unique product, Japanese red vinegar, made from sake-read (sake kasu - 酒粕), mixed with alcohol vinegar and then smoked with carefully selected sakura (桜)-wood chips (wood chips from the Japanese cherry blossom tree). This process gives the vinegar its characteristic smooth, yet distinctly smoky aroma. No artificial ingredients are used.

Flavor Profile

This vinegar strikes a refined balance between a fresh acidity and an elegant, savory smokiness. It is a rich and wonderfully fragrant vinegar. The smoky aroma is delicate yet distinctly present, elevating dishes to a higher level. The flavor pairs perfectly with fatty fish such as mackerel and sardines, but also adds a special depth to a wide variety of dishes.

Application

Originally, the vinegar was developed for marinating fatty fish fillets (such as mackerel or sardine) and seaweed salads. For a marinade, for example, you can combine the vinegar with soy sauce, garlic, ginger and honey. It also comes into its own in other preparations: as a salad dressing with mustard, olive oil, shallot, salt and pepper; as a glaze for meat or tofu by mixing with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce and a pinch of chili; as a finishing touch over sashimi, seafood; or incorporated directly into a smoky mayonnaise. Also suitable for making a delicate smoked foam or creamy cream.