375 ml - Gravenstein Cider Vinegar - California
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Everyone is shocked at how good this is! The usual response after tasting is to check the bottle and then say "that is nothing like any apple cider vinegar I have had before!"

The Gravenstein apple has played an important role in the history and culture of California's western Sonoma Valley since the 19th century. This richly flavored cider vinegar is redolent of baked apples, honey and sweet spice balanced with a solid backbone of acidity. Very versatile in the kitchen.

Suggested Uses
* First of all - anything pork! Braised pork chops with leeks and apple cider vinegar is a favorite.

* Makes a mean coleslaw or braised cabbage

* Salad Dressings…simply terrific - just add a teaspoon of mustard, a shallot (finely minced) and your favorite extra-virgin olive oil

* Perfect compliment for walnuts, smoked turkey, and goat cheese salad

* Makes the best Waldorf Salad

* Pan-roasted chicken breast with a splash of cider vinegar, sautéed apples and a bit of chicken stock

About the Gravenstein Apple
In the Sonoma Valley, Gravensteins hit peak planting in 1945, when over 14,000 acres of the area's gently sloping hills were covered with the trees. Today, there are far fewer, as thousands of acres have been replanted with grape vines - another crop we love, but we still believe in supporting those remaining Gravenstein growers. Slow Food has declared the Gravenstein apple to be a "Heritage" food that should be protected from further encroachment.

The fruit has long been sought after by chefs for its culinary uses and its elegant balance of sweet and tart flavors. Gravensteins' dense texture makes them perfect for sauces and pastries, and they also make a gorgeous apple crisp imaginable - and some of the best cider around.

And here is where we come in. This cider vinegar is made from hard cider from late-ripening Gravenstein apples when the sugars are high, and then the cider is carefully and slowly converted to vinegar in 55-gallon oak barrels.

A Little Vinegar Lore
Vinegar's long history includes uses other than culinary. Apple cider vinegar has been a folk remedy used for hundreds of years. Among claimed benefits have included: aiding in digestion, lowering blood pressure, helping with weight control, improving memory and even relieving arthritis. Although we can't vouch for any of these, we know folks who've taken to making up an afternoon "tonic" of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of honey and one of warm water…who knows what benefits it may bring!