Komezu (rice vinegar)

Made from rice, this light and mild tasting Japanese vinegar is an essential ingredient for making sushi rice and sunomono (vinegared salads). It has a lower acid level than Western vinegars and has long been associated with youthful-looking skin and longevity. One reason for this is the fact that vinegar increases the potency of Vitamin C, which promotes good complexion, and in the past, komezu was used in cosmetics in Japan. Vinegar is also known for its anti-bacterial properties and this is one reason why komezu is often used in Japanese dishes that include raw fish, seafood and meat.