Gourmet Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar, aged for years in wood casks, has a flavor unlike any other. Balsamic vinegar’s sweet tartness makes it highly versatile. You can pour it over vanilla ice cream, sprinkle strawberries with it, use it to add flavor to meats and to brighten the taste of vegetables.

The quality of a balsamic vinegar is a function of its age. As balsamic has gained in popularity, there are many poor quality imitations on the market, which use caramel coloring to imitate the real thing. Buying from a reputable supplier is the best way to assure you’re getting authentic balsamic. The higher price of excellent balsamic vinegar is offset by the fact that it takes only a small amount to impart exceptional flavor, and that it can be stored indefinitely in a cool dark place. There may be some sedimentation, but this is natural and does not affect the quality.

If you’ve only used balsamic vinegar for making vinaigrettes, it’s time to discover what it can do for cooked dishes. When you add it depends on what flavor note you want to emphasize. Add it early for a sweeter flavor; if you want it tangy, add at the end of cooking. Never use an aluminum pan for cooking or marinating with balsamic.

At Gourmet Pantry, we have an excellent selection of authentic balsamic vinegars at a wide range of prices. As with wine, choose a less expensive variety for cooking, and savor the higher quality vinegars on their own. We also offer fruit and flavored vinegars.

Popularity Index: 1%

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...