Balsamic vinegar (Italian: aceto balsamico) originates from Italy, as is popular throughout the world.
The original, costly, traditional balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale), is made from a reduction of cooked white Trebbiano grape juice, and used as a condiment. It has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the Middle Ages, being mentioned in a document dated 1046. Appreciated in the House of Este during the Renaissance, it is highly valued by modern chefs and gourmet food lovers.
Interestingly, balsamic vinegar contains no balsam. The word balsamico means “balsam-like” in the sense of “restorative” or “curative”. In fact, there are a number of supposed health benefits attached to it.
12 Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar:
- Balsamic has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which can make it an effective remedy for treating infections and wounds
- Folk healers used balsamic to cure body pain and as energizer
- Balsamic vinegar contains powerful antioxidant called polyphenols which fight cell damage and boost our immune system
- The antioxidant in balsamic have also the potential to protect against heart disease, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions
- Balsamic can help boost the activity of the digestive enzyme pepsin thus improving metabolism
- Balsamic may help control diabetes. Study suggests that by adding as little as five teaspoons of the vinegar with a meal can improve insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity means better diabetes control and lowered risk of dangerous complications
- Balsamic can reduce cholesterol level
- Balsamic antioxidant may slow the aging process
- Balsamic may reduce the frequency of headaches
- Balsamic contains important minerals that can strengthen the bones
- Balsamic can help prevent anemia and fatigue
- Balsamic can help suppress appetite and therefore an aid in controlling weight
Life Hack
The problem is that the really good stuff can be expensive. Now while you can make your own, it takes for ever!
So here’s a quick way to make a balsamic vinegar substitute.