Hawaiian Couple Brings Aloha Spirit to Sparks with Homemade Vinegars

Three years ago, Sasisopin and Kevin Kobayashi left their home in Mililani, Hawaii, embarking on a new adventure in Sparks, Nevada.

Embracing the distinct four seasons and abundant outdoor activities, the retired HPD sergeant and his wife sought ways to infuse their new surroundings with the cherished flavors of their island heritage.

Their journey into homemade vinegar began unexpectedly when a neighbor gifted them a surplus of apples.

Kevin recalled, "I made apple butter, apple jelly, and someone suggested making apple cider. I thought, 'Okay. How am I going to make this?' I had to look it up."

Delving into online tutorials, they discovered the art of crafting vinegar—a process that, while straightforward in preparation, required patience and experimentation to perfect.

Now, they've honed their technique.

Holding up a bottle of their lemon vinegar, Sasisopin explained, "This is 16 ounces. You see the lemon on top. You just put a tablespoon of sugar, and you fill up the rest with water."

Beyond apples and lemons, the Kobayashis have expanded their repertoire to include vinegars made from rice, plums, peaches, pears, and even watermelon.

These creations add a delightful twist to their favorite dishes.

"Fried rice, soups, stir fry. Sometimes you drink it just like that," Sasisopin shared.

Kevin added, "If we feel like we want to be like back home, we use it for adobo."

Their homemade vinegars serve multiple purposes.

"We use the lemon vinegar mostly for cleaning. We use it to clean the bathrooms, wipe down the kitchen," Kevin noted.

Generosity is at the heart of their endeavor.

"We pass it out to our neighbors, people that we know," Kevin said.

For those interested in crafting their own vinegar, the Kobayashis are eager to share their knowledge.

They can be reached at link8hi2nv@gmail.com.

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Sparks, the Kobayashis' homemade vinegars offer a unique flavor, blending Hawaiian tradition with local ingredients.

As the community continues to embrace diverse tastes, their story stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of aloha.