Frequently used in Asian cuisines, this is made from bitter and fermented rice wines. Japanese rice vinegar is mild, while the Chinese variety, which can be white, red or black, depending on the rice used, has a stronger taste. Sometimes ginger, a flake of dried bonito, peppers sesame seeds, onion, horseradish and mustard are added. It is used to season raw vegetables soups and sweet – and – sour dishes and is included among the ingredients of numerous marinades.