On 7 Apr 2005 09:01:22 -0700, "aem" > wrote:

>
>Ginny Sher wrote:
>>
>> I have never heard of Chinese red vinegar. Is it something that is
>> readily available in either the Asian section of a major supermarket
>> or a typical Asian grocery store? Would one be able to use it in a
>> salad dressing? I live in Los Angeles where Asian ingredients are
>> easily found and have never seen or heard of it, so I'm just a little
>> curious.
>
>The vinegar used in 'real' hot and sour soup is Chinkiang _black_
>vinegar. It's an aged vinegar, sort of the the Chinese equivalent of
>balsamic. Readily available in asian stores, certainly can be used in
>a salad dressing where you want a strong flavor. Very good in many
>dishes, including sweet and sours. Whether it would salvage the 'fake'
>soup this thread is about, I dunno. -aem


Thanks, aem. I've seen black vinegar, although I have never tried it
in any recipes before. I'll look for the red (and black) stuff next
time I'm in the "Asian" aisle of the market.

Ginny