How long does Balsamic Vinegar stay fresh?

Counting_Pennies_2

I wonder if you can help.

I have a bottle of balsamic vinegar in the cupboard, which has been open for about 6 months.

I can't find a best before date anywhere. Does anyone know if it is still safe to use, and if so for how long?

I am pregnant so don't want to take risks.

Thanks

Linda32

Okay, I'm abit concerned about advising whilst you are pregnant. I understand only soft cheese/eggs/shell fish might be a problem.

But I will say "can vinegar go off"???? I'm pretty sure six months isn't anything to worry about. Mine has been open for that long and we've been fine. I guess as you only need a little at a time, its bound to last that long.

Bargain_Rzl

I'm thinking pretty much forever - after all, vinegar is a preservative...

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong!

Horasio

I thought it was like wine - improved with age.

I had some for 7 years.

vizcacha

If you're pregnant I wouldn't risk it

It may well be fine but if you have any doubt at all my advice is - don't use it

congratulations by the way

thriftlady_2

As others have said, vinegar is a preservative, so it doesn't go off

nearlyrich

I have some that we brought back from Spain in 1993 and it's still going strong.

lizzyb1812

Generally speaking the older balsamic vinegar gets, the better it is. If you have it for a really long time it will get "thicker" - not like a sauce but more concentrated. The older and more concentrated the better.

I'm not aware that balsamic vinegar and pregnancy don't go together, but then I'm definitely not an expert on pregnancy!

If you feel at all nervous about the vinegar then chuck it - your peace of mind is much more important

lizzyb

Counting_Pennies_2

Thanks all, I don't think I'll risk it.

It was only going to spruce up an avocado (got a bit of a thing about adding balsamic vinegar to it as a treat). I will save up for another bottle.

Thanks for all your advice, I get a bit neurotic about foods when I am pregnant, and going through the sickness stage at the moment, so don't want to make things worse!

Thanks again

Spendless

Counting_Pennies wrote:

I can't find a best before date anywhere.
Thanks

I was told several years ago that vinegar was one of the few things left that didn't have the date stamp because it doesn't go off. I've just checked my balsamic and white vinegar bottles and neither has a BB date.

allIcouldwishfor

Spendless wrote:

I was told several years ago that vinegar was one of the few things left that didn't have the date stamp because it doesn't go off. I've just checked my balsamic and white vinegar bottles and neither has a BB date.

Vinegar, suger and salt are all preservatives and don't have use by or best before dates. If kept in a cool dry place they will keep indefinitely.