Oct
Because we are so used to using the standard or conventional vinegar in our cooking, using balsamic vinegar for the first time then becomes a bit of a daunting feat. However, if you are already thinking that using balsamic vinegar in your cooking is a novelty, wait until you are actually in a grocery store and choosing among the many bottles and brands of balsamic vinegar. Now that is more daunting. For this reason, here are some very simple and easy tips that you can take with you during your search for the right bottle of balsamic vinegar.
The very first thing that you have to look at is, of course, the cost of the bottle. Remember, a bottle of balsamic vinegar becomes more expensive the older it gets. Also, the cost of a bottle of balsamic vinegar is dependent upon the place where it was produced, so if it comes from Modena, the original place where it came from, you should expect to pay a hefty price for a bottle.
To save some money, purchase a bottle that is just right for the amount you need for your dish, especially if you no longer have any intentions of using it again. However, if you are going to use it for your everyday needs, then purchase bigger bottles that can save you some money. Not only will it not spoil, but it will also taste better the longer it ages. Also, it is better that you pay for a more expensive bottle (there are small bottles that will cost you about $10) than settle for bigger and cheaper bottles of balsamic vinegar. Chances are, its quality is just as cheap that you will, more often than not, just end up with an ordinary bottle.
Another thing that you have to look at is the contents of the balsamic vinegar. There are many producers of balsamic vinegar who use artificial flavorings as well as add artificial colorings to the balsamic vinegar to make it look more authentic. Be wary of those. Avoid any balsamic vinegar bottle that contains sugar as well as artificial ingredients. Not only will this taste different, but you also waste money.
Lastly, really take a good look at the bottle. Note their age and make sure that what you are purchasing is three years old or preferably older. A balsamic vinegar only becomes a true balsamic vinegar is it has aged for at least three years. To check if you are purchasing an authentic balsamic vinegar, look for the label and make sure that the age of the balsamic vinegar is specified.
As for the cheaper bottles of balsamic vinegar that costs around $10, you have to know that, although they come from Italy, they are, more often than not, not certified by trustworthy certifying bodies like APIMO and APIRE. Only those that came from the Modena and Reggio regions of Italy have this stamp of approval as well as those that have passed through the strict quality control guidelines of these certifying bodies.
