Ecet

Ecet is the Hungarian term for vinegar, a sour, acidic liquid produced by the fermentation of ethanol through acetic acid bacteria. The main component is acetic acid, typically 4–8% by volume in table vinegars, which gives the characteristic sharp taste and preservation properties. Vinegars can be colorless or colored, and some varieties are aged or infused with herbs, fruits, or spices.

Production of vinegar usually involves two stages. First, sugars or starches are fermented by yeast to ethanol. In the second stage, acetobacter or gluconobacter bacteria oxidize the ethanol to acetic acid in the presence of oxygen. Vinegars are made from various base sources, including white wine or grain-based alcohol, apple cider, wine, malt, or rice. In addition to standard varieties, balsamic and other grape-must vinegars offer distinct flavors. Flavored vinegars are produced by infusing the liquid with aromatics.

Uses and storage are diverse. In cooking, vinegar acts as a souring agent, flavor enhancer, and preservative, and it is also used in dressings, sauces, and pickling. It is employed for cleaning and descaling due to its acidity. Some health-related claims about vinegar note mild antimicrobial effects or digestive benefits, but it is not a medicine. Storage should be in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed; unpasteurized versions may contain the “mother,” a cellulose and bacterial culture some people prefer for its perceived natural character. Historically, vinegar has been produced for millennia across many cultures and remains a common household product and ingredient.