University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources announced on Apr. 30 that vinegar powder, while useful as a condiment in cooking, should not be used for home canning. The announcement comes as part of the Preserve it! Series, which addresses questions about food preservation practices.
The guidance matters to those interested in safe home food preservation methods. According to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, vinegar powders have unknown acidity levels and often contain added starch ingredients such as maltodextrin. These factors make them unsuitable for use in canning because proper acidity is required to ensure safety when preserving foods.
The organization explained that manufacturers vary in their instructions for rehydrating vinegar powders, with some stating they should not be made into liquid vinegar at all. “Without knowing the acidity level (in either powdered or reconstituted form), there is no way to know if these powders are safe for canning (when used as an acidifier, vinegar must have an acetic acid level of at least 5%). Further, the starch ingredients contained in vinegar powders add to the safety concerns,” the statement said.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs, according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices designed to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website. It utilizes nine research and extension centers across California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website.
The group has gained recognition for providing trusted services that connect research with community needs according to its official website. As part of the University of California system, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources manages Cooperative Extension services throughout the state according to its official website. Each year it conducts over 33,000 educational events with more than 18,000 volunteers participating in various initiatives according to its official website.
For more information on safe canning practices or related questions, residents are encouraged by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Master Food Preservers program to visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation or contact local Cooperative Extension offices.