The Value of Balsamic Vinegar
Real balsamic vinegar is very good for you
Balsamic vinegar is well known for its health benefits, especially from whence it came, in Italy. It is not wine vinegar, but rather formed from grape pressings and aged for as little as three years and as much as twelve years or more.
The taste of balsamic vinegar is rich and opulent, and the colour a deep red bordering on black.
Italians refer to real balsamic vinegar as “tradizionale”. This type is very costly, and rarely goes for under $100.00 per bottle, as the concentrate is very high; real balsamic vinegar is very expensive to make. The general rule of thumb is the higher the percentage of Trebbiano grapes in the bottle, the better the quality. Interesting to note, these types of grapes are white, and not red, despite the final colour of the product. They are aged in barrels and are syrup not wine.
Most grocery store balsamic vinegars are red wine vinegar with caramel colouring, so they are not the authentic item. It’s a shady practice used to outsmart the consumer, and make a profit on cheap imitations of the real thing.
When shopping for good quality balsamic vinegar, go to traditional specialty stores that carry a wide variety of balsamic vinegar and look for the words; "tradizionale" or "traditional" to get a good quality bottle. Some bottles have a certification symbol (AIB) on them to show they are authentic. It is a four leaf ranking system, with one being the best of a high concentrate (sweetest), and four being the poorest, with wine and caramel colouring added.
The general rule of thumb is pay attention to the price; the cheaper the balsamic vinegar, the younger, and less authentic. Also, look for the age of the vinegar on the label, the older the better.
Balsamic vinegar is superb as a salad dressing, especially combined with lemons and pure virgin cold pressed olive oil. It can also be used as a dip for fresh bread, and mixed with raw garlic to add a lovely taste to any marinade. Instead of prepared salad dressings - which are loaded with calories and very questionable ingredients - try balsamic vinegar with olive oil, lemon and salt to pour over your favourite vegetables for a tasty, nutritious salad. It can also be used to enhance sauces giving food a unique flavour in stews and casseroles.
The taste of balsamic vinegar is rich and opulent, and the colour a deep red bordering on black.
Italians refer to real balsamic vinegar as “tradizionale”. This type is very costly, and rarely goes for under $100.00 per bottle, as the concentrate is very high; real balsamic vinegar is very expensive to make. The general rule of thumb is the higher the percentage of Trebbiano grapes in the bottle, the better the quality. Interesting to note, these types of grapes are white, and not red, despite the final colour of the product. They are aged in barrels and are syrup not wine.
Most grocery store balsamic vinegars are red wine vinegar with caramel colouring, so they are not the authentic item. It’s a shady practice used to outsmart the consumer, and make a profit on cheap imitations of the real thing.
When shopping for good quality balsamic vinegar, go to traditional specialty stores that carry a wide variety of balsamic vinegar and look for the words; "tradizionale" or "traditional" to get a good quality bottle. Some bottles have a certification symbol (AIB) on them to show they are authentic. It is a four leaf ranking system, with one being the best of a high concentrate (sweetest), and four being the poorest, with wine and caramel colouring added.
The general rule of thumb is pay attention to the price; the cheaper the balsamic vinegar, the younger, and less authentic. Also, look for the age of the vinegar on the label, the older the better.
Balsamic vinegar is superb as a salad dressing, especially combined with lemons and pure virgin cold pressed olive oil. It can also be used as a dip for fresh bread, and mixed with raw garlic to add a lovely taste to any marinade. Instead of prepared salad dressings - which are loaded with calories and very questionable ingredients - try balsamic vinegar with olive oil, lemon and salt to pour over your favourite vegetables for a tasty, nutritious salad. It can also be used to enhance sauces giving food a unique flavour in stews and casseroles.
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Balsamic vinegar contains; iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. By adding
this to your diet, its can slow down the aging process, keep the arteries clear and help in the prevention of cancer. It contains Vitamin C, and is low in cholesterol and saturated fat as well. |
Since Balsamic vinegar is made from grapes, using a unique process, it is also a beneficial antioxidant. Substituting this for store bought dressings will have a benefit on the heart and keep blood pressure low because it is also low in sodium. This in turn will improve circulation and improve the immune system.
If one needs to control their weight, balsamic vinegar aids in subduing overeating by increasing the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty. Naturally, this will keep people more satisfied and curb hunger pains, resulting in weight loss.
Balsamic vinegar is also used as a tonic, and detoxifies the body and purifies the blood. It aids with digestion and can even relieve heartburn. It is also an anti-inflammatory and has anti-bacterial properties.
Without a doubt, good quality balsamic vinegar can not only improve the taste of your food, but has several key factors in improving the overall health of the body. Try some soon you will not regret it.
If one needs to control their weight, balsamic vinegar aids in subduing overeating by increasing the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty. Naturally, this will keep people more satisfied and curb hunger pains, resulting in weight loss.
Balsamic vinegar is also used as a tonic, and detoxifies the body and purifies the blood. It aids with digestion and can even relieve heartburn. It is also an anti-inflammatory and has anti-bacterial properties.
Without a doubt, good quality balsamic vinegar can not only improve the taste of your food, but has several key factors in improving the overall health of the body. Try some soon you will not regret it.
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