Balsamic vinegar: what is it and how to use it?

Did you know that the balsamic vinegar was considered in ancient times with a portion of youth?

This means that this culinary ingredient must have many benefits. It is composed of polyphenols that help fight free radicals, responsible for premature aging.

Furthermore, it is not very high in calories, for example: one tablespoon contains only 15 calories.

In this article we will find out more details about its benefits and how it can be used in the kitchen. So, be sure to follow along!

What is balsamic vinegar?

Initially, in ancient Rome this vinegar was used as a disinfectant for the stomach, it was only after 1500 that it became an ingredient on the tables of noble people.

In turn, did you know that this acidic, dark liquid was offered as a wedding dowry in barrels?

In Italian it is called “aceto balsamico”. With a sweet and sour flavor, it is almost a wild card in the kitchen, used in various dishes as we will see later.

In this sense, it is developed through alcoholic and acetic fermentation that takes place simultaneously in grape must, cooked over fire until the sugar content reaches 30%.

Then, the grape must or juice is concentrated and placed in barrels, and from time to time placed in smaller containers.

In short, this process can take years for the ingredient to form into a legitimate balsamic vinegar with its characteristic and unmistakable flavor, aroma and color.

+ What are the ingredients of tacacá: discover this impressive recipe from Pará

Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar 

Now some benefits of this vinegar for your health will be highlighted here.

• Improves skin health: rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial compounds and acetic acid, vinegar helps to make the skin healthier and more beautiful over time, when consumed in moderation;
• Reduces blood sugar levels: it contributes to the regulation of blood sugar levels, a scientific review published in 2006 by Medscape General Medicine magazine, the consumption of this ingredient impacts the anti-glycemic effect, which will consequently prevent blood sugar spikes;
• Helps in weight loss: the probiotics contained in vinegar end up giving a feeling of satiety, thus preventing the person from consuming food all the time;
• Lowers cholesterol: the antioxidant substances contained in balsamic vinegar, block toxic cells in the body that increase cholesterol levels;
• Relieves nasal congestion: when you add this ingredient to a little water and inhale the steam produced by the mixture, it ends up relieving your nasal congestion;
• Hypertension control: a study published in 2001 in the journal Bioscience found that adding this vinegar to food regularly helps reduce high blood pressure over time, as long as the hypertensive person limits or replaces fatty foods;
• Benefit on blood circulation: The main ingredient in vinegar is grapes, rich in flavonoids that are excellent for the blood, preventing heart disease.

Furthermore, by improving blood circulation, it prevents premature aging and also helps heal injuries and wounds.

How to use balsamic vinegar in the kitchen?

See some recipes that use this vinegar, which can be used in many ways and in many recipes.

1. Mascarpone mousse with marinated strawberries with black pepper;
2. Roasted potatoes with rosemary;
3. Grilled salmon with cucumber sauce & grilled zucchini with vinegar and thyme;
4. Tuna salad with goat cheese and walnuts;
5. Lettuce and cherry tomato salad with garlic and rosemary balsamic vinegar mousse;
6. Grilled asparagus with balsamic vinegar;
7. Mushrooms sautéed with honey mustard and vinegar;
8. Burger on bread in honey sauce;
9. Cod salad with lettuce mix;
10. Recipe for hake fillet with vinegar and basil oil;
11. Mixed salad with apple and balsamic vinegar mousse;
12. Caramelized onions;
13. Strawberry with pepper and vinegar;
14. Salad sauce like jelly;
15. Pasta salad;
16. Zucchini appetizer recipe;
17. Salad dressing;
18. Caprese salad;
19. Chicken roasted in balsamic.

Conclusion

Finally, it is worth highlighting the countless recipes that can be made using the balsamic vinegar.

Here, many benefits that this ingredient brings to health in various aspects were also mentioned.

Therefore, it is worth making use of this ingredient in your kitchen, not only because it has the advantage of being integrated into various recipes, but when consumed properly, it will improve your life as well.

Don't forget to share these tips with others if they work for you.

+ Learn an easy and tasty lemon cake recipe