Balsamic Vinegar

 

This exceptional vinegar was invented centuries ago as a medicinal balsam (hence the name), for exclusive use by kings and emperors, and only noblemen and royalty shops had the right to sell it. Oer the years, balsamic vinegar enhanced the flavors of vegetables, meat, and even desserts.  

 

We can find it in every household, but most of us do not know its benefits to our health.In Greece, the product is produced by the fermentation of specific grape varieties, mainly currants. Aged for at least 6 years (and sometimes for 12 or more). Due to the fact that vinegar comes from grapes, it is not surprising that it is good for the human body.

 

It contains only a few carbohydrates and 100gr yield 88 calories (kcal). It contains small concentrations of iron, calcium, sodium, manganese and magnesium.It gives a rich sweet flavor and a unique velvet flavor in all the dishes used.In Greece, Kalamata and Crete product Greek organic balsamic vinegar. In these areas, the balsamic vinegar is produced from red grapes (eg. Corinthian varieties, variety 'Romeikos') rather than white, which gives a high nutritional value in vinegar.

 

More specifically, balsamic vinegar has strong antioxidant activity. For example, the balsamic vinegar is 4 times more antioxidant than fruits and vegetables! It is in fact a natural product without additional sweeteners, preservatives and colors.It has been shown that a balanced consumption likely to reduce cardiovascular events, the risk of breast cancer and the risk of developing diabetes. It also improves the stomach function, prevents the formation of gallstones, protect the skin, facilitates the circulation of blood to the tissues, and acts as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and increases resistance to influenza.

Because of the excellent action in gastrointestinal disorders, some people drink it in small glasses after finishing their meal!

 

From all the above we understand, that nature, through the food, not only offers us the nutrients necessary for our survival but also generously gives us valuable active substances that alter our health.

Balsamic vinegar has a long oak flavor, which makes it an ideal ingredient in recipes with meat or fish, fruits, cheeses, pasta, ice cream, in marinades and salads with raw or cooked vegetables.  More often it is associated with extra virgin olive oil.

 

Be careful when buying, as there are many fake balsamic vinegars (they use common wine vinegar, to which they add caramel).