Antioxidants in Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar has a long history and cultural significance in Italy! In ancient Roman times, balsamic was used as a medicine and it still referred to as its nickname of “the elixir of life.”
How to Use
Balsamic vinegar is a delicious addition to salads, pastas, and marinades while also being full of antioxidants. High quality balsamic vinegar from Modena Italy, such as our gold, blue, and violet labels, have rich and complex flavors that complement any dish while also bringing the health benefits balsamic is known for.
1. Salad Dressings: Balsamic vinegar is a wonderful and easy salad dressing! We recommend using the Violet Label, and whisking in Chianti Classico Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The ratio will be 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar with salt and pepper to taste! This is a flavorful summer salad dressing that pairs with a variety of salads from caprese to classic mixed green salads.
2. Marinades: Balsamic vinegar is a perfect addition to marinades for chicken, fish, pork, and tofu! We recommend using the IGP Balsamic Vinegar Series 1 for marinades. In order to make a simple marinade, mix the balsamic vinegar with an equal amount of olive oil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, and allow the protein to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. This marinade can be enhanced with the addition of minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, rosemary, or tomato paste. After marinating, the protein can be grilled, baked, or sautéed!
3. Pasta and Risotto: Balsamic brings a lovely richness and acidity to pasta and risotto dishes. For risotto, the gold label balsamic vinegar is perfect to drizzle over the top of a finished plate. It pairs well with a classic risotto along with many different risotto flavor profiles such as pesto or butternut squash. Balsamic can also be drizzled over finished pasta dishes or included in the pasta sauce. The IGP Balsamic Vinegar Series 1, is great to deglaze the pan with while making homemade tomato sauce, after sautéing the onions and garlic. It can also substitute a portion of the white wine in a piccata sauce. Balsamic vinegar is a very versatile ingredient when it comes to pasta and risotto dishes, it easily complements a wide variety of dishes.
Benefits
In balsamic vinegar, there is a high concentration of polyphenols naturally found in the grapes. The catechin polyphenol is known to help reduce blood pressure by making the blood vessel walls more flexible. Additionally, the resveratrol phenol has been shown to slow down the aging process of the skin and reduce hair loss. This phenol also helps with converting visceral fat into energy for the body. Furthermore, the acid in balsamic vinegar offers antimicrobial functions. It is recommended to have 2 tsp of balsamic vinegar daily for these health benefits!
1. Slow down the aging process of the skin
2. Reduce hair loss
3. May help reduce blood pressure
4. Can help maintain/loose weight
5. Improve digestion
6. Help to improve heart health
7. Help to control blood sugar
Balsamic vinegar is truly a magical ingredient in both its versatility in cooking and numerous benefits to your health!
By: Olivia Delise