Gourmet Cooking Plus

KATZ GRAVENSTEIN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
375 ml. bottle

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”…well, that only tells part of the story!

The Gravenstein apple has played an important role in the history and culture of California’s western Sonoma Valley since the nineteenth century. Peak planting was in 1945 when over 14,000 acres of the area’s gently sloping hills were covered with Gravenstein apple trees. Unfortunately there are far fewer today with thousands of acres being replanted with grape vines. 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. Their dense texture makes them perfect for sauces and pastries, and the best apple crisp imaginable. It also makes the best cider around.

Here is where our efforts come in…we take this hard cider made from late ripening Gravenstein apples when the sugars are high, and then the cider is carefully and slowly converted to vinegar in our 55 gallon oak barrels.

The result is a pleasant elixir, redolent of baked apples, honey and sweet spice balanced with a solid backbone of acidity. Our Katz Gravenstein Apple Cider Vinegar has many uses in the kitchen (see below). Also check out our recipe section.

Now…as for the doctor part of the story…apple cider vinegar has been a folk remedy used for hundreds of years. Its beneficial claims include: aides in digestion, lowers blood pressure, helps with weight control (the claim we see most often), improves memory and last but not least, relieves arthritis.

Around here, we have taken to making up a “tonic” every afternoon of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of warm water. We plan on trying to keep the doctor away for as long as possible!

USES IN THE KITCHEN:

• Anything Pork…braised pork chops with leeks and apple cider vinegar is a favorite
• Makes a mean coleslaw or braised cabbage (see website for recipe)
• Salad Dressings…simply great with a teaspoon of mustard, a shallot (finely minced) and Katz 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, apples and a bit of chicken stock