“The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art, one of the joys of civilized living” — Dione Lucas

Twelve balsam pine trees bobbed and weaved as the return voyage to Europe commenced. Christopher Columbus had been impressed with the little trees and saw this as one of many souvenirs from his second voyage to the new world. The trees took root easily in his native Europe.

Little did anyone realize the transplant of those twelve trees would result in one of the most exciting tastes in cooking today. This is but one theory as to the origins of Balsamic vinegar. Additional research indicates that an earlier form of this vinegar may have roots in the 11th century and was more than likely used for medicinal purposes in its original form.

It is further argued the balsam in ‘balsamic’ refers to balm (soothing properties) and not the balsam pine tree.

Production of Balsamic Vinegar

In the region of Modena, Italy, the dark vinegar ages in a series of wooden casks. To ensure the highest quality you must refer to the product label. Italy has protected the phrase “aceto balsamico tradizionale’. There are several less expensive products that bear the label balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinaigrette. While some are of average or above average quality there are also some that are comprised of little more than cooked caramel and common vinegar.

Nature’s Best Ingredients

Balsamic vinegar begins with the quality of white sweet grapes. The grapes are boiled into a syrup state while water content is reduced by as much as 50%. The syrup is then placed in balsam or other approved wooden casks. As the syrup ages, vinegar is added to acetify the existing product. Once a year the balsamic vinegar is transferred to a new cask. There are a variety of woods used in production of balsamic vinegar, but there are only a select few woods approved for this use.

Most companies that provide authentic Balsamic vinegar will also provide a less expensive variety that maintains high quality, but with less aging and depth of flavor.

Cooking with Italian Balsamico

While oil and vinegar do not mix, they are companions that bring uncommon taste to gourmet cooking. Balsamic vinegar has the ability to bring out substantial taste in almost any meal. The best rule of thumb for Italian balsamico is ‘less is more’. Many will use balsamic vinegar utilizing a nebulizer to spritz food or they will portion the precious liquid by the drop.

There is little wonder why this is the case when you consider that the demand for aged balsamic vinegar is extremely high. Modestly priced bottles begin at $20; however some bottles that have aged more than 25 years can cost more than a thousand dollars. A few bottles that were made in the 1700’s have been made available for over $120,000 dollars each.

The Art of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar can be both sweet and sour to the taste, yet it is this exact combination that continues to impress and amaze the artist pallet of taste conscious consumers. Balsamic vinaigrette can make an ordinary salad into something radically special.

While balsamic vinegar has been around since the Middle Ages it has only found a worldwide following in the last thirty years. The labor intensive process of making balsamic vinegar makes a bottle of this exceptional vinegar a unique treasure for any cook and a unique taste treat for any guest.

James Zeller writes for gourmet gift related websites and blogs such as Cruets.com Here is a selection of gourmet oil and vinegar that he found, and a creative collection of kitchen gifts.

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. — Luciano Pavarotti

The cook in your family would want it, the aunt that has everything might not have it, and your mom would enjoy it.

What is it?

Modena balsamic vinegar.

A gift of quality Modena balsamic vinegar will be a much appreciated, highly valued gift for any cook in your circle of influence.

The Discovery

This taste sensation was most likely discovered in the Middle Ages and probably by accident. It has been a gift for royalty and Western Culture finally understood its value in the kitchen in the 1980’s.

The Process

As seasons change, and the years go by, balsamic vinegar is coming of age. A minimum of twelve years is needed for the coveted title ‘aceto balsamic tradizionale’. This title has as much importance as labels placed by a consortium governing body for the fine wines of Europe. Additionally, especially fine Modena balsamic vinegar will bear the title ‘Extra Vecchio’.

Multiple wooden casks are used in the process of making Modena balsamic vinegar. The most pure vintage is aged in chestnut, oak, cherry, mulberry, ash, juniper and acacia wooden casks. Each wood provides its own unique contribution to the unique taste.

The Uses

Balsamic vinegar is often sought as an ingredient for vinaigrette dressing and remains a useful and potent ingredient in numerous dishes from strawberries to fish, salads to ice cream.

The Preparation

In fifteen minutes a home blended balsamic vinaigrette can be prepared for family or guests using such ingredients as extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, thyme leaves, chopped fresh basil, finely chopped chives, chopped tarragon, and chopped oregano. A food processor can be used to blend ingredients and the finished mixture should be allowed to fully saturate overnight. In concert, these ingredients will awaken taste buds that thought there was little left to discover in taste.

The Gift

Gift baskets are available with lower priced balsamic vinegar that may not fit the Italian standard of perfection, but remain a prized, yet affordable gift that includes most of the same taste as the more expensive Modena balsamic vinegar.

The Comparison

Interestingly, some Modena balsamic vinegar that is now available was just beginning the aging process when Western cultures first fell under the spell of such vibrant taste.

Value priced balsamic vinegar can be purchased for less than $25 per 8 ounces and is especially valuable for sauces, marinades and balsamic vinaigrette. There are more inexpensive varieties of balsamic vinegar in stores; however these products often are little more than caramelized brown sugar and common vinegar. They may provide a unique taste to your meal, but should not be confused with more authentic varieties. True balsamic vinegar requires no preservatives and has an indefinite shelf life. Should you discover the balsamic vinegar you purchased in the store has preservatives, you might consider the purchase of balsamic vinegar that includes all the benefits and taste of Italy’s finest vinegars.

The Taste

The gift of balsamic vinegar is a gift of good taste. It provides a sense of sharing an international secret and leaving the recipient feeling that fortune has indeed smiled on them.

James Zeller writes for gourmet gift related websites such as Cruets.com . Here is a selection of balsamic vinegars that he found, and a creative collection of culinary gourmet gifts.

The table is the only place where we do not get weary during the first hour. — Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Emperor Enrico III took the offered bottle in his hand and inspected the flask.

“It is a disinfectant, my lord,” Bonifacio replied nervously.

“Yes, I have heard of this before. It is made from grapes?” Enrico asked.

“White grapes,” Bonifacio replied.

“Should I give this to my servants for cleaning?” Enrico asked.

“Oh, my lord, it is of far more value than that. It has certain medicinal qualities.” Bonifacio began falling all over himself as he sought to impress the emperor. “The servants at Canossa castle have even used it with remarkable success in certain recipies. I can say with confidence that the food at Canossa is exceptional.”

“I can see the truth of your words, my corpulent friend,” Enrico replied as he passed the balsamic gift flask to his maidservant.

* * * * *

There may be many within your circle of influence that have never had the rare and stunning honor of trying a dish served with balsamic vinegar. Consider balsamic as a perfect gift idea. The very versatile Modena balsamic vinegar provides radical taste in everything from fish to ice cream and fruit to salad.

The pricing structure for authentic ‘aceto balsamic tradizionale’ balsamic vinegar may seem as if you are purchasing liquid gold. Perhaps, on one level, you are. You see, while the uses for balsamic vinegar are many, the amount needed for recipes is often measured in drops. The flavor is so concentrated that a pint-sized bottle of Modena balsamic vinegar will provide a gift that will be a long-term investment in good will and the memories that accompany such a thoughtful gift idea.

What follows are a few tips to pass along when giving Modena balsamic vinegar as a gift…

A non-reactive pan should always be used when marinating.

Never use aluminum pans or containers with recipes using balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinaigrette.

As little as a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar greatly enhances the flavor of soups and sauces.

There are some inexpensive varieties of balsamic vinegar that contain sulfites (a preservative). Only accept balsamic vinegar that is preservative free. True balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life.

Heat mellows the flavor of balsamic vinegar – it also causes the vinegar to taste sweeter. Adding balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking should provide the proper taste.

While some use balsamic vinegar for a base in herbal balsamic vinaigrettes, many do not recommend it for such use.

When harvesting fresh strawberries or raspberries from your garden you might be surprised how much the favor is enhanced by using a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar and a dash of sugar.

The gift of Modena balsamic vinegar is either an introduction to a great secret – or it is the thrill of receiving one of the world’s greatest tastes.

Balsamic vinegar makes a perfect gift idea for birthdays, housewarming gifts, Christmas gifts and those moments when you just want someone to know that you care. Find a true Modena balsamic vinegar, like that which is produced by Villa Bellentani, its worth every penny. Cruets.com has several varieties.

James Zeller writes for gourmet gift related websites and blogs such as Cruets.com . Here is a selection of gourmet oil and vinegar that he found, and a creative collection of kitchen gifts.