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living plantain vinegar
PIZCA is a family-owned food company that crafts unique and delicious vinegars using only single, whole-food ingredients and fermentation. Our mission is to infuse the world with the versatile flavor of plantain vinegar, inspiring culinary enthusiasts to explore new and exciting ways to use this innovative ingredient in their cooking. We believe that the best flavors are found in real and pure ingredients, and we strive to deliver unparalleled flavor, quality, and reliability in every bottle. With Pizca, every meal becomes a flavor and taste carnival, celebrating the richness of our planet’s culinary possibilities.
Our Products
Discover the exotic flavors of Ecuadorian plantains with Pizca’s Barraganete and Maqueño varietals.

FOUNDER STORY

Pizca is the result of a project that had been fermenting for years. Phillip and Imelda have been producing chili for about 30 years in areas of Ecuador where there is a lot of plantain production. They made chili brine, for which they needed vinegar, so they made the first samples of Pizca on the farm.

They had great results with the flavor complexity of the fermented plantains, but the idea to create a plantain vinegar to elevate dishes was left floating in the air, fermenting, until the quarantine arrived.

After different fermentation processes, many family dinners, and multiple sample creations, they resumed this project – focusing on the different varieties of plantains that exist in Ecuador:

Barraganete and Maqueño…and many more to come!

That’s how Pizca was born, with a mission to spread the passion for single-ingredient, single-origin plantain vinegar, infused with creativity and innovation.

Pizca invites you to join the flavor carnival, where every splash brings a burst of passion and inspiration to your cooking.

Our Ingredient

How its made

around the world

At the center of the world, a sense of belonging knows no boundaries.
It is our passion to bring the taste of Ecuadorian plantains to everyone, encapsulated within a bottle. We have already embarked on a journey that took us to food fairs in Paris, SIAL, Vinavin Feria del Vinagre in Spain, and even South Korea. Our mission is to sprinkle these tropical flavors across global cuisines, enhancing everything from refreshing salads to fiery stir-fries. Just as food unites us, drop by drop, vinegar from the center of the world has the power to bring us together.

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    Our Ingredient
    Discover the exotic flavors of Ecuadorian plantains with Pizca’s Barraganete and Maqueño varietals. Barraganete plantains are known for their vibrant sweetness and silky texture, creating a carnival of tropical flavors that dance on your taste buds. Maqueño plantains, on the other hand, have a robust and earthy profile, bringing a touch of depth to your dishes. Both provide a perfect balance to your culinary creations. Whether you seek the sweet notes of Barraganete or the hearty character of Maqueño, Pizca invites you to explore Ecuadorian plantains’ diverse flavors and versatility through our plantain vinegars.
    How its made
    At Pizca, we believe in the power of natural fermentation. It all starts by carefully cutting the plantains into pieces and allowing them to hang on a cloth. Over time, the sugars and salts within the plantains begin to slowly drip, drop by drop, filling our barrels with their essence. Fermentation is a dynamic process that involves various elements present in every environment: air, water, sugar/energy, bacteria, and time. When these elements come together intentionally, vinegar is born. None of these elements are lost; instead, they transform into a liquid of exquisite flavors.

    The bacteria remain, creating a mother culture that you can observe floating gracefully in our bottles. Through this natural fermentation process, we unlock the true essence of plantains, transforming them into distinctive and flavorful vinegar. It’s a labor of love and a testament to our commitment to quality and tradition.

    At Pizca, we believe in the power of time-honored techniques and the art of fermentation to bring out the best in our ingredients. Experience the extraordinary flavors of our plantain vinegar, crafted with care and expertise, and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
    Esquite Tostada
    Discover a revolutionary twist on a classic favorite with our Esquite tostada enhanced by the exquisite Vinagre Maqueño. This delightful dish captures the essence of roasted corn and elevates it to new heights, infusing it with the rich flavors of Pizca Maqueño vinegar. Topped with a luscious labneh or crema base, Parmesan, chipotle flakes, and an array of vibrant toppings, this Esquite creation is a symphony of textures and tastes.

    Ingredients:

    For the Esquite:
    – 1 corn
    – 1/2 cup of labneh or crema
    – 1 tbsp of Pizca Maqueño vinegar
    – Parmesan cheese, grated
    – Chipotle flakes


    For the tostada:
    – Corn based tortillas
    – Cooking oil

    Toppings:
    – Pickled onions, for a tangy kick
    – Slices of fresh radish, offering a crisp bite
    – Chili Crunch, to add a spicy crunch
    – Fresh dill, for a burst of herbal goodness


    Preparation:


    Esquite:
    1. Boil or roast corn until tender
    2. Once cooled, remove the kernels from the cob.
    3. In a bowl, combine the corn kernels with labneh or crema.
    4. Introduce the tantalizing Pizca Maqueño vinegar, for the twist.
    5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mixture
    6. For a hint of heat and depth, scatter chipotle
    flakes, infusing the dish with a smoky, spicy essence.
    7. Gently fold the ingredients together

    Tostada:
    1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    2. Lightly oil both sides of tortillas.
    3. Place oiled tortillas on a baking sheet.
    4. Bake 5-8 minutes on each side until crispy.

    Toppings:

    Add all the toppings for additional textures and extra depth to the dish.

    Serve and Enjoy:

    Present your Esquite creation with Vinagre Maqueño as a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The luscious base of labneh or crema, harmonized with the complex sweetness and citrusy flavors of our Pizca Maqueño vinegar, creates the perfect partner for corn. Enjoy every bite!
    Tropical Goddess Dressing
    Elevate your culinary experience with our Tropical Goddess Dressing. This vibrant creation brings together a symphony of flavors, combining the fresh notes of dill and parsley, the complex sweetness and acidity of Barraganete Vinegar, the creaminess of mayo, and the richness of olive oil. A dash of salt to enhance the ‘sabor tropical’.

    Ingredients for the Tropical Goddess Dressing w/ Pizca Barraganete Vinegar:

    – A bunch of dill
    – A bunch of parsley
    – ½ cup of Barraganete Vinegar
    – 1 tbsp of Mayo
    – A splash of olive oil
    – Salt to taste

    Preparation:

    1. Gather the dill and parsley, ensuring their freshness and vibrancy. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the bunches of dill and parsley, Pizca Barraganete Vinegar, mayo, and a splash of olive oil. 3. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. 4. With a hand mixer, blend all the ingredients until they come together in a velvety, thick consistency.

    Bowl Inspiration:

    Base: – White Rice

    Protein: – Steak or protein of your choice, cooked to perfection

    Vegetables: – Baby bok choy, tender and flavorful

    Toppings: – Crispy fried garlic, adding a satisfying crunch – Juicy mandarin segments, bringing a burst of sweetness – an extra splash of Pizca Vinegar

    The Finishing Touch:

    Drizzle your deliciously crafted Tropical Goddess Dressing over the entire creation, to elevate the flavors of any food. Our Tropical Goddess Dressing, paired with any masterpiece is a creative expression that is both satisfying and indulgent.
    Basil Peach Shrub Cocktail
    Experience the perfect blend of flavors with our Basil Peach Shrub Cocktail featuring the exquisite Pizca Maqueño vinegar. This delightful concoction combines the natural sweetness of peaches, the refreshing essence of basil leaves, and the unique tang of Pizca Maqueño vinegar for a truly exceptional taste.

    Ingredients for the Pizca Shrub:

    – 1/2 cup of Pizca Maqueño vinegar – 1/2 cup of pureed or chopped peach – 1/2 cup of sugar or honey (adjust to taste) – Fresh basil leaves

    Preparation:

    1. In a mason jar, combine the Pizca Maqueño vinegar, pureed or chopped peach, and sugar or honey. 2. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the mixture. 3. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Allow the flavors to meld together as they infuse.

    Creating the Basil Peach Pizca Shrub Cocktail:

    1. 1 oz of the prepared Pizca Shrub 2. 1.5 oz of gin 3. Sparkling water 4. Fresh basil leaves

    Instructions:

    1. Begin by topping a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice. 2. Pour in 1 oz of the Pizca Shrub, followed by 1.5 oz of gin for a spirited twist. 3. Add a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the aroma and flavor. 4. Shake the mixture well to blend all the ingredients harmoniously. 5. Strain the cocktail into a glass of your choice, allowing the enticing flavors to shine through. 6. Finish by topping the cocktail with sparkling water, creating a delightful effervescence. 7. Garnish with additional basil leaves for a touch of elegance.

    Enjoy Without Alcohol: For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the gin from the recipe while retaining all the other flavorful components. Savor the refreshing and complex taste of the Pizca Shrub equally.

    Indulge in the intriguing combination of basil, peach, and Pizca Maqueño vinegar with every sip of this exquisite cocktail. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or unwinding after a long day, our Basil Peach Pizca Shrub Cocktail offers a symphony of flavors that will scream ‘carnaval!’ at your taste buds and leave you craving for more.