Italian at Heart

The province of Modena in Emilia Romagna, where we lived for many years, is the home of balsamic vinegar. And it’s one of the places we love to return to. Full of tradition, luxury cars, and friendly people, it’s an ideal place to visit. And to pick up some delicious, but expensive, balsamic vinegar!

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the Middle Ages. It was mostly produced on a small scale for family use only, but now it can be found in most supermarkets.

But why is it so expensive? Balsamic vinegar can take years to make because it is aged slowly in special wooden barrels that get smaller and smaller. These barrels were passed down from one generation to the next and were often part of a bride’s dowry.

3 types of balsamic vinegar

• Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
• Balsamic Vinegar Condiment

Balsamic vinegar of Modena

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a mixture of the boiled must of local grapes and wine vinegar. It’s the most economical of the balsamics because it’s massed-produced in metal vats with wood chips to add flavor. And because it’s aged for only about 60 days.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

This finest of all the balsamic vinegars can only be made from the boiled must of local grapes and produced within Modena’s city limits of Modena. It must be aged for at least 12 years, but the best ones are aged for 25 years or more. Its main characteristics are its brown-black color, its thick syrupy texture and its rich tart but sweet flavor.

3 typical ages of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

12 years old: ideal for salads, eggs, main dishes, meat, fish, and seafood.

25 years old: perfect with cheeses, desserts, ice cream, and fresh fruit.

25 + years old: to be enjoyed just a few drops at a time.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is a true culinary delight that is always sold in 100 ml (3.4 oz) distinctive glass bottles.

Two of my husband’s co-workers gave us tiny bottles of 50-year-old traditional balsamic vinegar. Precious gifts, considering that prices range from about $60 to $500.

To appreciate how delicious the extra aged balsamic vinegar is you just have to taste it! But first watch this short video that takes you through the process from start to finish! A promotional video from the makers of balsamic vinegar, but still interesting!

Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia

The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia is less known than that of Modena. The two products are almost identical, but the Modena vinegar has more stricter production rules and is therefore more expensive.

Balsamic vinegar is a real culinary delight! It’s high in calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s healing properties can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. And it’s great as an after-dinner digestive aid!

And then, enjoy your salad! Or try some extra-aged balsamic vinegar on ice cream or strawberries. It’s downright delicious!!

Photo credits: Balsamic on salad by NoName13 | Balsamic on spoon by ThorstenF | Both via Pixabay.