Buying balsamic vinegar can sometimes be confusing because of the wide range available in the marketplace. Some of the brands available in the market are aged longer than others. This brings some variation in the quality and price of Balsamic Vinegar. This sweet and tangy vinegar is popular with people who enjoy making and eating salads. Besides being a great salad dressing, it is excellent for weight watchers because it is low in calories. Village Bakery gives a break down of some of the differences in the balsamic vinegar in the market.
Use it as a marinade
Although balsamic vinegar is used in salads a lot, it is not its only function. Balsamic vinegar can also be used as a marinade. Balsamic vinegar is aged differently. Some are aged between 3-5 years, others 6-11 years, while some are older than 12 years.
Balsamic vinegar that is younger than 12 years is excellent for marinating your steak. Brush some of your vinegar on your steak, instead of pouring it. This prevents wastage resulting from balsamic vinegar running off the meat. Refrigerate it for a few hours before grilling. It is, however, vital for you to avoid using aluminum containers or pots when marinating using balsamic vinegar. The container you use needs to be non-reactive.
Use well-aged balsamic vinegar on mild dishes
Mature balsamic vinegar has an array of flavors. You are likely to miss out on these flavors if you use it on heavily seasoned or spicy dishes. Balsamic vinegar needs to shine on its own when it is used to flavor steak, chicken, veal or fish. It can also be used in cheese and fruit pairings. For example, it can be used in peaches and strawberries paired with feta or ricotta cheese. You can also prepare a refreshing beverage by adding some mature balsamic vinegar to your sparkling water.
Heat mellows out the flavor of balsamic vinegar
How you use balsamic vinegar in the cooking process will have an impact on the outcome. If you want to sweeten balsamic vinegar, heat it. It will lose some of its acidity and become sweeter to taste. If you would like to retain the strong flavor, especially of mature balsamic vinegar, use it at the end of your cooking process. You can also use a spoon or two of this vinegar to awaken the flavor of a bland soup or sauce.
The richness of the balsamic vinegar in your food or fruit depends on how much you use and your cooking process. When shopping for balsamic vinegar, it is essential for you to find out the quality of vinegar you are looking for. The different ages produce different flavors. The more mature the balsamic vinegar, the more intense its taste and the darker it will be. If you are new to using balsamic vinegar, you should try the different ages available in the market until you find one that suits your taste. Balsamic vinegar does not continue maturing when in the bottle. However, to retain its rich flavor for longer, store it in a cool, dark place.