Both rice vinegar and white vinegar are acidic, and they can be substituted for one another in recipes if need be. Rice vinegar is usually sweeter than white vinegar though, and its acidity is much less strong. The main difference between the two is how they are prepared.
Rice vinegar is created from fermented rice, and white vinegar is made by fermenting white alcohol. The flavor of white vinegar is more harsh than that of rice vinegar, and rice vinegar’s flavor is much more subtle.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar tastes less tangy than most other popular vinegars. It is a common ingredient in salad dressings, and is also used for sauces and marinades. Rice vinegar is not to be confused with rice wine vinegar, which is completely different despite their similar names.
It should be stored in a cool, dark place, and can interestingly last for many years. At room temperature, rice vinegar can last for up to five years. But when refrigerated, it can last for up to ten years.
Nutritional Profile of Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar has also been shown to have many health benefits. It has a decent amount of amino acids, so it can help fight off fatigue. Because of these essential amino acids, rice vinegar can also help to improve the body’s immunity to infection and viruses.
It is a good source of antioxidants, and contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
In addition, rice vinegar also helps to prevent the formation of fatty peroxide. In doing this, it slows down the buildup of cholesterol. So, rice vinegar can also improve heart health.
Uses for Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is known to pair well with French fries and sushi. It is a versatile and rather plain ingredient, so its uses are versatile too.
Aside from its cooking purposes, some people like to use rice vinegar as a hair treatment. Its amino acids and minerals are said to strengthen the hair.
White Vinegar
The taste of white vinegar is much harsher than the taste of rice vinegar. In addition to cooking and baking, it is also used for cleaning and controlling weeds. It gives an added tang to sauces and marinades.
Nutritional Profile of White Vinegar
White vinegar has very similar nutritional properties to rice vinegar. They contain the same minerals. So, the same health benefits can be expected from white vinegar.
Uses for White Vinegar
The uses for white vinegar are much more diverse than that of rice vinegar. It is used to pickle vegetables and add a tanginess to some sauces. Because of its harshness, it has become a popular American cleaning agent.
White vinegar can be used to de-weed lawns, remove mold, and clean up messes and stains. It is known to clean windows, glass, and CDs sufficiently. It can also remove tarnish on copper and brass, but should not be used on granite, stones, or iron.
It is also known to be useful for baking, along with baking soda, it can help baked goods to keep well for longer.
Final Thoughts
White vinegar and rice vinegar are very similar in their appearance. Their tastes are very different though, rice vinegar is subtle and somewhat sweet while white vinegar is more harsh tasting. Rice vinegar’s primary use is for adding to sauces and dressings, and white vinegar is more diverse. It is often used to clean because of its harshness.
