this is what I always thought...
Vinegar
- unopened 2 years
- opened 12 months
Keep tightly covered. Slightly cloudy appearance doesn't affect quality.
Distilled vinegar keeps longer than cider vinegar.
but according to the Vinegar Institute (
http://www.versatilevinegar.org/ )
it lasts forever, here's a quote.
"How long does vinegar last?
The Vinegar Institute conducted studies to find out. It confirmed that its shelf life is almost indefinite. Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time. And, while some changes can be observed in other types of vinegars, such as color changes or the development of a haze or sediment, this is only an aesthetic change. The product can still be used with confidence. "
All I can add is that I have eaten "foggy" vinegar that had sediment and did not get sick.
btw, check out the recipes at the Vinegar Institute web site, especially the hints at the bottom! Good info!
Good Luck!