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What is balsamic vinegar and where can you buy it?
|bal-sam-ic vinegar |
Published: July 11, 2023 at 3:39 PM
Discover what balsamic vinegar is, where to shop for it and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
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Check out our guide to balsamic vinegar, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about wine vinegar, rice wine vinegar and malt vinegar.
What is balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is a concentrated vinegar with a dark colour and rich, intense flavour. The very best balsamic holds PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and will be labelled "tradizionale di Modena" or "tradizionale di Reggio Emilia". The grape must (freshly crushed grape juice, seeds and pulp) is reduced until syrupy, then fermented and aged naturally for at least 12 years and up to 25 years, in a succession of wooden barrels. Depending on how it’s made and aged, this can command extremely high prices.
Less expensive is balsamic labelled "di Modena". This vinegar has an IGP stamp (Protected Geographical Indication) and is made by blending cooked grape must with good-quality wine vinegar from the same region. Quality and price can vary. Cheaper balsamics (simply labelled balsamic vinegar) can have caramel and thickening agents added to mimic the viscosity of more expensive vinegars.
Balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient and should be used sparingly: serve simply with aged parmesan or drizzled over good-quality ice cream.
Where to buy balsamic vinegar
Dell'Ami Aged PDO Modena balsamic vinegar, £13.75/250ml, olive shop
Belazu aged balsamic vinegar, £14.35/250ml, Ocado
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI Oro Due Vittorie, £16.95/250ml, Amazon
Balsamic vinegar recipes
Caprese salad
This caprese salad with sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella is full of fresh Mediterranean flavours, and simple to whip up. Serve it with bread as a light, summery lunch, or as a side dish at dinner.
Cheese and balsamic shallot toastie
Slow-cooked shallots, a three-cheese mix, wedges of sourdough and a little mustard make this epic lunchtime toastie.
Pork medallions
Cook these pork medallions in a glaze made of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, chilli and garlic until it thickens and caramelises – this is a real midweek winner.
Tuscan pork loin steaks
This recipe for Tuscan pork steaks ticks all the boxes for a nutritious midweek meal. It's low-calorie, low-fat, low-sugar, low-salt and high in protein.
Tomato risotto
This comforting dish is packed with simple Italian flavours, and topped with shredded basil and parmesan.
Winter panzanella
This is a wintry take on the classic Mediterranean salad using root veg and rich, tangy blue cheese. It’s ideal as a starter for a festive meal.
Cheddar and spring onion risotto with balsamic tomatoes
Try our creamy risotto oozing with mature cheddar cheese and topped with pan-fried cherry tomatoes. This comforting recipe is bursting with beautiful flavours.
Red cabbage
Redcurrant jelly and balsamic vinegar give red cabbage a sweet-and-sour edge, plus a wonderfully glossy sauce. Make this red cabbage recipe ahead for the perfect festive side.
Slow-cooker meatballs
Cook homemade meatballs low and slow until meltingly tender and the sauce tastes deep and rich. Serve with your favourite pasta and crusty bread, if you like.
Tuna sandwich
Create this ultimate deli-style sarnie with ciabatta bread stuffed with tuna, egg and veg for a healthy yet satisfying lunchtime meal.
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