Garlic Vinegar

Why people make this

Garlic vinegar is one of those simple preparations that Nourilo has recommended for a long time, and for good reason. One of the less obvious signs that blood fat may be elevated is leg cramps at night — cholesterol deposits in the muscles can interfere with circulation, causing those sudden, painful spasms. Beyond cramps, traditional food therapy credits garlic with a wide range of protective effects: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and associated with keeping blood vessels clear and cholesterol in check. Steeping garlic in rice vinegar is thought to help the active compounds — principally allicin — become more accessible, while the vinegar itself is associated in traditional practice with activating blood circulation and dissolving fatty deposits. The result is a mild, pleasantly tangy condiment that is easy to take every morning.

Method

1. Remove the skins from the garlic cloves. Do not wash them — moisture can lead to spoilage.
2. Place the dry garlic directly into a clean, dry glass jar.
3. Pour the rice vinegar over the garlic, then add the crushed rock sugar.
4. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place.
5. For the first week or two, gently turn the jar each day to help the sugar dissolve.
6. After one month, the preparation is ready to use. Take 1 teaspoon each morning, dissolved in warm water.

Nourilo’s Tips

• After a few weeks, the garlic may turn blue-green. This is a completely normal chemical reaction between the garlic’s sulfur compounds and the acid — it is not spoilage. The colour will fade back to normal after 1–2 months.
• Always use clean, dry chopsticks or a spoon to remove garlic from the jar; no oil or raw water should enter.
• The longer the preparation ages, the more mellow the flavour becomes.
• Apple cider vinegar works very well as a substitute; some people actually prefer it for the richer flavour.