Red Wine Vinegar: Shelf life, etc. or (will it kill me?)

[Carolyn]

Hey folks,

I pulled out a bottle of red wine vinegar to use in a pot roast. I didn't have any tomato paste, so I used a tsp just for acidity.

What I noticed is the top wasn't on very good. I kind of just did a small twist and pulled it off. There was sediment at the bottom, that just looked like red wine sediment, and the vinegar smelled ok to me. I am sure it was a bit more brown (I guess oxidized) than when it was just opened. It was close to the use by date on the bottle.

After I already put the damned stuff in the pot, I started questioning if it was still good. Just to let you all know, I have horrible almost debilitating anxiety and will throw away $100 dollars worth of food if I think there is any reason it could remotely be off even if it isn't. I was raised by a parent that thought nothing ever went bad and another that thought everything is bad.

So, if there a chance that red wine vinegar will kill me? 😩. Yeah, that is the anxiety talking. 🙄

[Hulagn1971]

I think you'll be fine. I've used vinegars and hot sauces past expiration dates with no issue.

[Michael_in_TX]

You will be fine. As vinegar oxidizes, the quality decreases, both in terms of color and flavor. That's what the "use by" date on the bottle is oriented towards.

From a food safety standpoint, vinegar is extremely acidic -- pH between 2 and 3 -- so you are in effectively no danger of it affecting you like two year old expired milk.

(Plus, you're cooking it, too!)

[Carolyn]

Thanks, Michael. Much appreciated.

[Carolyn]

Thanks, guys. I was ok until I realized the cap wasn't on tight.

I was like, "It is fine" I put it in then went, "Wait, that cap wasn't on good. Oh crap. Now, what? Am I going to die from botulism?" 😳 Will botulism grow in red wine viengar? Ahhhhhhhhh! 😂

[Carolyn]

LA Pork Butt I also use, "When in doubt, throw it out," but my problem is I doubt everything, and 5 days is my limit on keeping cooked foods too.
I have improved a good bit just from reading and learning things here on the forum. A few times recently, I just went with my nose and fought through the anxiety, so I am getting better about it.
My anxiety is so bad that I walk around with a clenched jaw. I cracked a tooth last year.

[LA Pork Butt]

Carolyn How many of your fears and anxieties have come true? My guess is that they are few in number.

[Carolyn]

LA Pork Butt Severe anxiety isn't very logical. If it were, then it would be called "good sense." 😂

[captainlee]

If we don't hear from you tomorrow........................

[Carolyn]

Still here. Survived the taste test anyway. 😂

[captainlee]

Great to hear from you !!!!!

[Carolyn]

Thanks.
A chuck roast concoction tastes much better when you realize you will live through it. 😁

[Ace]

@Carolyn
From an internet search. You're safe.

Does red wine vinegar go bad or expire?

Red wine vinegar does not have a true expiration date and can last indefinitely, but its quality and flavor will change over time, potentially leading to cloudiness, sediment, or changes in color and aroma. While still safe to use, these changes can make it less appealing for cooking, and you should discard it if it smells or tastes off. Proper storage in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed, non-reactive container will help preserve its quality for longer.

[Carolyn]

Yeah, I read a bunch of articles on it. Then there is always the one, "...throw it away." Ha Ha. I didn't see anything that looked like mold, just sediments, but I thought I would check with you guys.
I already feel better. My anxiety level has dropped tremendously. Thanks a bunch.

[CaptainMike]

I grew up around a lot of Italian grape farming families. Some would have what they called a vinegar barrel where they'd pour out wine that was turned or oxidized. I'm not sure what they did with all of that old wine, but they called it a vinegar barrel so I guess they made vinegar. I do not recall ever having any of the stuff, but most of them lived a heckuva long time! Maybe that was their secret to longevity.

Edit: I did a googley-eye and lo and behold vinegar barrels are still a thing. And it looks like it's easily made at home. Well waddaya know...

[SmokingPat]

Good to know if I have any leftover wine. If ... 🤔

[surfdog]

Most modern wines will never become vinegar. :-/
They’re made with strict hygienic conditions…to kill bacteria…which also includes the bacteria Acetobacter…which is necessary for acetic fermentation. Strike 1.
While sulphites occur naturally, many wine makers add them to wines…to kill bacteria…including our friend Acetobacter. Strike 2.
Anything over 13% alcohol is inhospitable to the bacteria needed for acetic fermentation. Strike 3.
At best, you’ll just get a funky oxidised wine. Bleh

[CaptainMike]

Good info surfdog, thanks.

[Carolyn]

Thanks guys,
My anxiety is much lower now.
🧘🏼♀️

[Duanessmokedmeats]

I have used the same bottle since B.C. ( Before Covid).
Unknown on how old it is. Still good.

[Carolyn]

I survived the taste test anyway. Don't know how good of an idea it was to use red wine vinegar thanks to the flavor profile, but that is another issue.

[SheilaAnn]

You’ll be fine!

[Carolyn]

Survived, and it tasted pretty good. 😁