Vinegars from tropical Africa

Abstract

Vinegar is one of the most ancient fermented beverages consumed by humans (Conner and Allgeier, 1976). In Africa, traces of vinegar were found in vessels of the old Egyptians. Leftovers of vinegar were detectable in vessels from 6000 years before Christ. This Egyptian product was called hequa. It was brewed from barley and, after some time, the wort was acidified. Later, vinegar was found to be a good food preservative and it was also used as a curing drink. © 2009 Springer Milan.