Balsamic vinegar is a rich and concentrated condiment that is equally balanced in flavor and health benefits. Here, we’ll help the health-conscious and the food enthusiasts navigate the finer points of this lovely liquid and discover what makes it so special. Let’s explore the amazing health benefits of balsamic vinegar!
Tantillo Foods offers a selection of balsamic vinegars. Purchase a bottle to enhance all of your Italian dishes!
What is Balsamic Vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar has its humble beginnings in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, originating over 900+ years ago. This is a region abound with popular wine grape varietals, specifically the Trebbiano and Lambrusco varietals.
To create balsamic vinegar, a wine maker’s family or a vineyard farmer would crush batches of grapes (also known as grape must). Then, instead of processing the mash for wine, they 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 anywhere from 12 to 25+ years, deepening in flavor and richness.
In balsamic’s early history, it was considered an item of opulence. Barrels would be given away as extravagant gifts or used to show wealth for a bride’s dowry. The vinegar would also be brought out on special occasions or lavishly sipped as a tonic.
It wasn’t until recently—more specifically, the last 50 years or so—that balsamic infiltrated the culinary world as a delicious ingredient and a necessary pantry staple. It now adorns everything from salads and charcuterie to cheeses, soups, fresh fruit, and even desserts.
Balsamic Vinegar Health Benefits
The benefits of balsamic are vast, garnering just as many healthy nods as its wine cousin. The grapes and the fermentation process are what really allow for so many beneficial properties.
Excellent Source of Vitamins & Minerals
Teeming with vitamins and minerals, balsamic vinegar tops the charts for sources of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Explore how each is responsible for your health:
- Potassium is a valuable mineral for muscle function. Adding balsamic regularly into your diet can reduce muscle cramping and fatigue.
- Calcium is 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, including blood clotting, heart function, kidney function, and nerve function. These are all important pieces for our bodies 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.
All the Antioxidants
Oxidants are “free-radicals” that cruise around your body and damage 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. This is a powerful antioxidant that, along with vitamin C, are super immune boosters and help fight against other infectious diseases and inflammation.
Aids Digestion
Balsamic contains a fantastic amount of polyphenols. It is these micronutrient plant-based polyphenols that aid in the body’s digestion of food. These micros stimulate enzymes, allowing for a much smoother breakdown process and nutrient absorption in our gut.
Sweet without the Added Sugar
If you have a sweet tooth but also have strict dietary goals that restrict your 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.
In addition, 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.
Tantillo Balsamic Vinegar
Tantillo is proud to offer several balsamic vinegar options to our customers. Celebrating achievements in both old world and new world balsamic vinegar producers, Tantillo features products from both Italy and California, which are known as the very best regions for creating the finest balsamic. Explore our selections:
Tantillo Balsamic Bliss is a favorite of owner Tony Tantillo. A unique and very special Italian vinegar, the Balsamic Bliss is meant for drizzling. |
Tantillo California White Balsamic Vinegar is made using white Trebbiano grapes, and it is perfect for salad dressings and marinades. |
Tantillo California Balsamic Vinegar is the highlight of new world balsamic vinegar that’s produced in California. Made in the traditional Emilia-Romagna way, this is a delicious addition to any pantry. |
Shop Tantillo Foods Balsamic Vinegar
Now that you’ve seen the amazing health benefits of balsamic, shop our fantastic options from Tantillo Foods to add this versatile staple to your pantry!
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