Do you know that canning liquid is more useful than it looks?

The liquid in most preserves is a solution of water, salt, vinegar and sometimes spices or citric acid.

It is used to

• Preserve the food
• Maintain texture and color
• And it also absorbs the flavor of the ingredient preserved in it

So that stock isn't just a random liquid - it has taste, balanced acidity and often wasted culinary potential.

1. Base for sauces and vinaigrettes

• Instead of regular vinegar, use the canning liquid to dress salads
• It goes well with olive oil, mustard, herbs and a little pepper

2. Marinate meat or vegetables

• Chicken, tofu or mushrooms absorb the acidic flavor well
• Just marinate for 30 minutes with garlic and olive oil - a quick and different taste

3. Cooking rice or vegetables

• Use some of the liquid instead of water when cooking rice, cauliflower, zucchini or grains
• Gives a slightly acidic and flavorful touch

4. Finishing grilled vegetables

• After grilling zucchini, eggplant or broccoli, splash a little of the liquid as an "acid finish" - substitute lemon or vinegar

5. Quick homemade preserves

• Got some leftover cooked carrots or sliced cucumber? Throw it in the jar with the leftover liquid and keep it in the fridge for a few more days.

• Avoid using the liquid if it is cloudy, bubbly or has an altered smell
• Never reuse liquid that has already been exposed to dirty utensils or fingers (hygiene is everything!)
• Prefer preserves with few artificial ingredients on the label (no glutamate, excessive preservatives or colorings)

If the liquid in your preserves is from an artisanal or natural product (such as fermented pickles), it may even contain natural probiotics, which help with digestion and immunity.

Yes, the "pickle juice" can be functional - and much more than an adjunct!

Canning liquid is more than leftovers. It's an ingredient hidden in plain sight, waiting to shine on your plate.

The next time you open a jar of olives or pickled cucumbers, think twice before pouring it down the sink.

You could be throwing away the perfect finishing touch to your next recipe.