Originated from Italy, this condiment is an aromatic, thick, dark, syrup-like aged type of vinegar, prepared by the reduction of cooked grapes. Balsamic vinegar, though popularly referred to as wine vinegar is not made from wine, but is prepared from grape pressings, whose fermentation process has been hindered. The best balsamic vinegar is prepared in the hills of Modena, in Italy, where unique and flavorful balsamic vinegar is formed. This vinegar is known to be a cut above the other types of vinegar. Unlike the sharp taste of vinegar, balsamic vinegar has a rich, sweet flavor. You need to taste it to believe it!
Italians have been relishing balsamic vinegar for centuries, however, the American palate has been able to savor this only since the past two decades. Today balsamic vinegar is one of the most popular condiments available in American grocery stores and is used in various sauces, marinades, salad dressings, dips, desserts, etc. The popularity surge of this dark, syrup-like condiment is not only because of its remarkable taste, but balsamic vinegar health benefits also play a major role in adding points to the popularity chart.
Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar retains most of the nutrients present in the parent grapes and comprises nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium in adequate amounts. Thus, incorporating balsamic oil in the daily diet will benefit one immensely. Let us look at the different balsamic vinegar health benefits.
Antioxidant Properties
Oxidation reactions taking place in the human body to produce energy, conduce to formation of cell damaging free radicals as natural by-products. Free radicals damage cell membranes and manifest themselves in terms of premature aging, hardening of arterial walls and cancer. Antioxidants from balsamic vinegar destroy these free radicals and prevent cells from being destroyed.
Fights Cancer
The grapes from which balsamic vinegar is formed is known to contain a bioflavonoid called quercetin, which has antioxidant properties. Along with vitamin C, this antioxidant strengthens the immune system to fight cancer and other infectious diseases and inflammations. Balsamic vinegar also contains polyphenols which are anticancer agents.
Reduces Risks of Heart Attacks
Balsamic vinegar is low in saturated fat and is believed to reduce cholesterol. Moreover, since it is low in sodium, it enhances heart health and reduces high blood pressure.
Controls Diabetes
Research reveals that consumption of at least 5 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar a day enhances insulin sensitivity. The greater the insulin sensitivity, the better the diabetes control.
Natural Pain Reliever
In ancient times, folk healers used this vinegar to relieve people of their body pain. Moreover, they also used balsamic vinegar to treat wounds and infections. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in the vinegar healed wounds.
Assists Digestion
The polyphenols in balsamic vinegar stimulate the activity of pepsin enzyme in the body. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme, which helps break proteins into smaller units (amino acids). Moreover, these polyphenols also assist the intestine in absorbing amino acids expeditiously. Efficient amino acid absorption enables the body to utilize it for cell building, repair and other body maintenance work. Thus, balsamic vinegar aids the digestion process.
Read more on :
Besides these balsamic vinegar health benefits, this vinegar also reduces the frequency of headache inceptions, strengthens bones (calcium absorption), energizes the body, slows down aging process and prevents anemia. It also helps in weight loss by suppressing one’s appetite. Authentic balsamic vinegar would have been aged for a minimum period of 3 years to a maximum period of 100 years. The longer the aging process, finer the vinegar quality. However, commercially produced balsamic vinegar produced in a few hours is also available in the stores.
White Balsamic Vinegars
White balsamic vinegar comes in light or very pale golden tones, similar to the color of white wine. The white or very pale gold color of white balsamic vinegar is due to its manufacturing process, which differs from aged balsamic vinegar. Unlike dark balsamic vinegar, white balsamic vinegar does not go through a lengthy aging process in wooden barrels.
White balsamic vinegar is made from white grape must or white grape wine. This must or wine is subjected to cooking to concentrate the flavors and then proceeds to fermentation. During this process, the vinegar does not come into contact with the wooden barrels, unlike aged balsamic, which prevents the transfer of pigments and flavors from the wood.
By not having contact with wooden barrels, white balsamic vinegar maintains its light color and translucent appearance. Although there may be some variation in hue, it is usually a very pale white or gold color, similar to that of white wine.
Taste: White balsamic vinegar has a milder, less intense flavor compared to its dark counterpart. Its acidity is balanced and is complemented by a slight sweetness, providing a smoother and less bittersweet flavor than aged balsamic vinegar.
Aroma: Its aroma is fresh and clean, with subtle fruity touches and light grape notes. In addition, it can have floral and herbaceous nuances that enhance its delicacy.
Dark Balsamic Vinegars
Balsamic vinegar has a dark color, usually dark brown, which intensifies further over time due to the aging process. Its dense and viscous texture is the result of the concentration of flavors during this process. Its dark color originates from two main reasons: the long aging process in wooden barrels and the concentration of sugars and flavors that occurs during this time.
As aged balsamic vinegar ages in these barrels, the natural sugars present in the grape must be transformed into more complex compounds due to the activity of yeasts and bacteria present in the cellar. This fermentation and oxidation process contributes to the formation of chemical compounds that give vinegar its dark color and characteristic sweet-sour flavor.
Moreover, during the aging process, the vinegar slowly evaporates, resulting in a higher concentration of flavors and nutrients in the remaining liquid. This concentration is also responsible for the darker shade of aged balsamic vinegar compared to younger vinegars or other types of vinegar.
Taste: It has a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Its flavor profile combines sweet notes with a touch of acidity, offering an exceptional taste experience.
Aroma: Its fragrance is pleasant and fruity, with marked notes of grapes and raisins. Some aged balsamic vinegars may also have woody undertones due to the barrel aging process.
