Rice Vinegar - What is Rice Vinegar?

Usually made from fermented rice or rice wine. Originating in China and Japan. Chinese rice vinegars are stronger than those of Japan and range in color from colorless, through various shades of red and several shades of brown. Compared to other types of vinegar Chinese and, especially, Japanese vinegars are very mild ; almost sweet.

Japanese rice vinegar is very mild and mellow and ranges in color from colorless to pale yellow. There are two distinct types of Japanese vinegar; one made from fermented rice and the other is made by adding rice vinegar to sake.