Is it better to use a balsamic dressing or Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI? Advice in the kitchen

The Balsamic Vinegar is a typical product of the Emilia-Romagna region with numerous admirers in Italy but also in the rest of the world: for this reason, it is increasingly present on the shelves of our kitchens. This is because it is a delicious and versatile condiment, suitable for most of our savoury dishes, but also for some sweet recipes. It allows us to complete dishes of all kinds, from the simplest and freshest to the tastiest and most elaborate, always giving the result an extra edge.

The characteristic sweet-and-sour flavour of Balsamic Vinegar goes very well with many foods: just a few drops are enough to satisfy even the finest palates! In addition to vinegar, however, balsamic condiments are also often used in cooking. The two products have differences that you should be aware of in order to use them correctly on your table. Let’s take a look in this article at what specifically differentiates these two products and how best to use them in the kitchen.

Starting with: What is a Balsamic Dressing

Before highlighting the substantial characteristics of these two popular products, it is best to define what a Balsamic Dressing is. While there are no doubts about Balsamic Vinegar, it is very useful to know that Balsamic Condiments are special products that do not have specific production regulations or Disciplinary rules and, for this reason, do not have to undergo specific ageing procedures. This means that they can be sold as early as the day after their production. The producer himself is, therefore, very free to express himself, bottling his own product and choosing the type of bottle to use.

Balsamic Condiments are versatile and tasty products, which are obtained by combining concentrated grape must with wine vinegar, but depending on the quantity they may contain preservatives, colouring agents, thickeners, antioxidants, sweeteners or added sulphites. You just have to try them!

The differences between Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Balsamic Vinegar Condiment

After this brief explanation, it is now time to focus on the differences between vinegar and condiment. These are numerous, yet they are certainly not easy to notice, especially for those who are not experts in this field. Yet, the two products have some substantial differences: to begin with, the most obvious one is certainly acidity. Indeed, balsamic condiments are brown in colour like vinegar and their consistency is very full-bodied..

As far as taste is concerned, the sweet component tends to prevail over the sour component in balsamic condiments: therefore, they are more suitable products for all those who like ‘sweeter’ and less acetate-like flavours, with a lower acidity ranging from 5 to 4.5 %. Already because of this low level of acidity, they could not, by law, be called ‘Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.D.O.’ or ‘Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.G.I.’: in fact, the latter are characterised by an acidity of at least 6 %. Moreover, as already mentioned, current legislation on the subject allows Balsamic Condiments to be bottled in bottles of different capacities, such as 40, 50, 100 or 200 ml.

When to use vinegar and when is it a good idea to use balsamic condiment instead?

In general, as far as the use of the two products is concerned, it can be said that Balsamic Vinegar can be used as a condiment for practically any dish. Indeed, its sweet-and-sour flavour goes very well with many types of dishes such as meat, tasty salads, risottos or fruit. Balsamic condiment can be used to season the same dishes; however, one must always remember that its taste is somewhat sweeter and that the consistency is thicker.Therefore, it all depends on your taste and that of your diners.

Furthermore, balsamic condiment is the ideal ally for those who like to decorate dishes and add an extra touch of elegance and flavour to their preparations. Indeed, thanks to its predominantly sweetish flavour, it is most used for fruit salads, ice cream and desserts. So, try it with sweet recipes and to refine your dishes: rest assured it will not disappoint!

Balsamic Vinegar and Balsamic Dressings: Where to Find Them

With these words we hope we have aroused in you the curiosity to try these typical products of the Emilia-Romagna region: if you want to taste authentic and tasty products, then you absolutely must take a look at our proposals in our Bottega or on our e-commerce.

In our vinegar cellar, we produce the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.D.O., the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.G.I., the Condimenti Balsamici, salse, jam and fruit compote, all according to the ancient tradition of our land, but also offering several interesting variants. Among them, you will find the organic balsamic (such as, for example, the Bronzo and Platino versions) and the White Organic Balsamic. Furthermore, if you are eager to make a tasty gift, we offer several gift packs of Balsamic Vinegar to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, or we also create customised food-and-wine favours, the best in the whole Emilia-Romagna region, suitable for christenings and weddings.

Guided tour of a vinegar cellar with tasting: we are waiting for you!

If you are wondering what to do in Modena and you are passionate about Balsamic Vinegar and Balsamic Condiments, then we are waiting for you for a guided tour in one of the best Acetaie in the city. Thanks to the tours organised by Acetaia Marchi (available in different languages such as English, French, Spanish and Polish), you will be able to see first-hand how our Balsamic Vinegar and Condiments are prepared and witness the high quality of our vinegar production.

Our ourguided visits to the vinegar cellar are the perfect opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary experience through the flavours, fragrances and traditions that make our territory unique, discovering the secrets and ancient traditions behind the production of Balsamic Vinegar and Dressings. Moreover, at the end of the visit, you will be able to participate in an exclusive tasting of our products, so that you will not only take a journey through history, but also through the taste of Emilia-Romagna. What are you waiting for? You absolutely cannot miss this unique and unforgettable sensory adventure!