How to Make Homemade Banana Vinegar From Overripe Bananas
Overripe bananas, often discarded, hold culinary potential. Transform them into banana vinegar, a unique and flavorful ingredient for salads, dressings, and marinades. Infused with white balsamic vinegar and chili peppers, it adds a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy touch to your culinary creations. Enjoy its health benefits, including probiotics and antioxidants, and relish the versatility of this kitchen gem.
Equipment
- Mason jars
Ingredients
- 4-5 overripe bananas peeled and mashed
- 2 1/2 cups white balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 dried chili peppers or fresh hot peppers optional
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Jar: Clean and sanitize the mason jar, lid, and ring.
- Combine the Ingredients: In the mason jar, combine the mashed bananas, white balsamic vinegar, honey and chili peppers (if using). Stir gently to distribute the bananas evenly.
- Initiate Infusion: Seal the jar tightly with the lid and ring. Shake the jar gently to encourage infusion.
- Infusion Process: Store the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Shake the jar gently once a day for 2-4 weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Straining and Bottling: After 2-4 weeks, taste the vinegar. When it has reached the desired level of flavor, strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Using a funnel, carefully pour the strained vinegar into storage bottles or jars.
- Storage: Store the banana vinegar in a cool, dark place. Properly infused banana vinegar can last indefinitely without refrigeration.
Video
Notes
- Use ripe or overly ripe, bananas for a sweeter vinegar.
- Experiment with different types of peppers for varying levels of heat.
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter vinegar.
- Use the banana vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch on dishes.
- Salad Dressing Recipe:
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup banana-infused vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon mustard and salt to taste.
- For an extra kick, include more fresh or dried peppers.