Zhenjiang Vinegar

Zhenjiang vinegar (Chinese:镇江香醋; pinyin:Zhènjiāng xiāngcù) (also known as "Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar" and formerly as "Chinkiang vinegar") is a major type of black rice vinegar originating from the city of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China. Its origin can be traced back at least 1400 years BP. Jiangsu Hengshun Vinegar Industry Company, established in 1840, is a notable producer at the present time. A legend of the vinegar's origin can be tied to the Xia Dynasty (ca. 21st - 16th Century BCE) period. During that time, according to the legend, a fortuitous accident in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, resulted in a winemaker's creation of the vinegar.