As one of Italy’s most popular condiments, Italians have enjoyed balsamic vinegar for centuries. This rich, concentrated and preciously coveted brew is equally balanced in flavor as health benefits.
We’ll help the health conscious and the food enthusiast navigate the finer points of this ancient liquid and discover what makes this vinegar so special.
What is Balsamic Vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar has it’s humble beginnings in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, over 900 years ago. A region famous for their wine grape varietals, Trebbiano and Lambrusco varietals, specifically. Batches of grapes would be crushed (called, grape must) and, instead of processing the mash for wine, would simmer the mixture into a reduction (called, mosto cotto) and age the mixture in wooden barrels.The mosto cotto would be allowed to ferment and age over time, any where from 12-25+ years, deepening in flavor and richness.
Health Benefits of Balsamic
There are oodles of health nods for balsamic vinegar, nearly as many as there are for red wine!
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Balsamic tops the charts for sources of potassium, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.
Potassium is a valuable mineral for muscle function. Adding balsamic, regularly, into your diet will reduce muscle cramping and fatigue.
Calcium is the given the superlative of ‘best all around’ mineral. Calcium helps the body maintain fluid levels, aids in muscle development and is essential in bone development.
Phosphorus is responsible for aiding in many bodily functions: blood clotting, heart function, kidney function and nerve function. All important pieces for our body’s to work properly, giving more credence to a healthy balsamic filled diet.
Vitamin C is the ‘repairman’ of the vitamin world, helping our bodies heal and boosting our immune systems during bouts of illness.
Antioxidants v. Oxidants
Oxidants are “free-radicals” that cruise around our body, damaging cell tissue. Balsamic vinegar is high in antioxidants, substances that serve as our body’s policing system, reducing the amount of these harmful free radicals.
The Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes that make balsamic vinegar contain a bioflavonoid called quercetin. A powerful antioxidant that, along with vitamin C, are super immune boosters and help fight against other infectious diseases and inflammation.
Happy Belly
Balsamic contains a fantastic amount of polyphenols. It are these micronutrient plant-based polyphenols that aid in the body's digestion of food. What these micros do is stimulate enzymes, allowing for a much smoother breakdown process and nutrient absorption in our gut.
Fabulously and Naturally Sweet
For those with a major sweet-tooth but either health concerns or dietary goals restrict sugary consumption, balsamic vinegar is a great alternative. Naturally sweet from the reduction and aging processes, balsamic is a perfect substitution for granulated sugar, honey or maple syrup.
There have been several studies conducted on the benefit of balsamic on those with diabetes. It seems as though a diet using balsamic vinegar regularly can help control and stabilize glucose levels.
Gil's Gourmet and Balsamic
Gil's offers some of the finest balsamic vinegars available in the US. All carefully curated and imported from Modena, the balsamic (and foodie) capital of the world.
25 Year Balsamic- Barrel aged balsamic vinegar is a culinary treat. Carefully aged in French oak barrels imparting flavors of baking spice and vanilla. Perfect for cheese and charcuterie platter parings.
Garlic Balsamic Vinegar- A 3 Leaf Grade balsamic vinegar. Grapes grown in the province of Modena, Italy provide distinctive fragrance and exclusive flavors good enough to be sipped from a spoon. An all natural garlic extract is added to top off this wonderful vinegar. 8.5oz. bottle.
Traditional Balsamic from Modena- Aged and imported from Modena - 3 Leaf Grade, Italy. 8.5 oz bottle
Cherry Balsamic Vinegar- is made using 3 Leaf Grade Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy, and infused with cherries. Awesome for ice cream or drizzling over fruit. 8.5 oz. bottle.
Pear Balsamic Vinegar- is made using the 3 Leaf Grade Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, and a natural pear extract. One of our long-standing balsamic favorites! All natural. 8.5 oz bottle.
Maple Balsamic-This maple infused Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy, adds a twist to pork chops on a cool day or ice cream in the summer. 8.5 oz bottle.
California Fig Balsamic- One of our long-standing top-sellers, our California fig balsamic vinegar is made with balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy and the pulp of figs from California. All natural. 8.5 oz bottle.
Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar -is made using the 3 Leaf Grade Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy, infused with natural raspberry extract. A natural pairing for
salads. 8.5 oz bottle.
Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar -is made using the 3 Leaf Grade Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy and infused with blueberries. 8.5 oz. bottle