What You Need to Know
Verjus (from French 'vert jus' meaning green juice) is the pressed juice of unripe grapes, primarily Vitis vinifera cultivars. Its acidity comes from malic (3–5% w/v) and tartaric acids (1–2% w/v), with pH 2.8–3.2. Unlike vinegar, verjus contains residual sugars (5–8% Brix) and phenolic compounds from grape skins.
Used as a deglazing liquid for pan sauces or added to court-bouillon for poaching fish. Provides brighter acidity than wine without alcohol's cooking constraints. Modern chefs use it in vinaigrettes where vinegar would overpower delicate ingredients.
Key Parameters
Temperature
°C - °C
Time
15–30 minutes (stock integration)
Instant (drizzling) - 2 hours (slow reductions)
Equipment
Steps
- 1.
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The Science
Primary Reaction
Tartaric acid crystallization