Balsamic vinegar

Description

Balsamic vinegar is a thick, dark brown vinegar with a sweet and sour, complex flavor featuring notes of grapes, oak, and caramel; the aroma can be intense in aged versions, and the consistency is sticky and glossy. It pairs wonderfully with salads, grilled and roasted vegetables, meat and fish, aged cheeses, and fresh fruits; when reduced, it serves as a glaze or sauce for desserts and antipasti. Calorically, balsamic vinegar is low in calories and carbohydrates, containing small amounts of minerals and antioxidants from grapes, and acetate may aid digestion and regulate glucose levels with moderate consumption. It should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle, away from light and heat sources; it does not require refrigeration, although keeping it in the fridge will preserve its aroma longer.