Last Updated on May 2, 2022 by Share My Kitchen
White balsamic vinegar is a pantry staple that takes up little space. It is a milder form of the traditional balsamic vinegar, which is made from white wine vinegar. Then, it is aged for years in stainless steel or wooden barrels.
It is light, mildly sweet, and can be used as a salad dressing, for vinaigrette recipe, or for marinades.
Is it possible to tell the difference from traditional balsamic vinegar? What are its substitutes? Do you want to know how to use this sweet-tart flavored vinegar? Then, this guide will help you understand everything about white balsamic vinegar.
What is white balsamic vinegar?
White wine vinegar makes this golden-colored vinegar. Trebbiano grapes are used to make the white wine. They are grapes harvested from Italy, and then later blended with uncooked, concentrated grapes.
It has moderate acidity, ranging between 5.2 to 7%. Moreover, it has a slightly sweeter taste than conventional Balsamic vinegar. If Balsamic vinegar is available in your local stores, you can use it as a substitute for the white balsamic vinegar.
How is White Balsamic Vinegar made?
White balsamic is an Italian recipe to make vinegar, and is similar to regular balsamic vinegar. It is made in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy through brewing white Trebbiano grapes.
Harvested grapes are cooked at high temperatures with low pressure. This allows the syrup to retain its original golden and pale hue. Next, the syrup is stored for up to one year, but not over that to make sure that the flavor and color is lighter.
On the other hand, balsamic vinegar has a darker color and stronger flavor due to high-pressure cooking of Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes in Modena.
Uses of White Balsamic Vinegar
Dressing of Salads and Seasoning
Salad dressing is the first and most important use of white balsamic vinegar. It gives your salad a slight tangy, sugary flavor. Then, another primary use is seasoning.
Sauces and Soups
This sweet and tangy vinegar may also be used to make tomato sauces or soups.
For Braised Dishes
The white balsamic vinegar has a golden color, so it gives brightness to braised dishes. It makes the dish rich, deep, and slightly sweet.
For Marinating
This vinegar can also be used to marinate meat. It is excellent on tendering steaks and other red meat.
Soda and Cocktails
It can be a great addition to your cocktails and tangy sodas since it has a slightly sweet flavor. You may dilute this vinegar into the soda to make it fizzier.
Substitutes for White Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar, with a complex flavor, is the best substitute for white balsamic vinegar. There are also other substitutes, including mild-flavoured rice wine vinegar and white wine vinegar.
Other Substitutes For White Balsamic Vinegar
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a great substitute for white balsamic vinegar. This vinegar is fermented white wine and then oxidized into an acid. This results in vinegar with a fruity flavor that isn’t really sugary.
It can be used directly in recipes that commonly use white balsamic vinegar. It can also be used to pickle vegetables and fruits. In addition, it can be used to marinate meats and steaks.
This white wine vinegar also has a light color, and gives almost the same texture to food. Its only difference is its slightly acidic nature, which is also reduced when it’s cooked.
Rice Wine Vinegar
It is mildly acidic like other types of vinegar. This vinegar is used primarily in Asian cuisine. Also, since it is mild in nature, it is ideal for dressing fruits and salads.
White balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar have a similar taste, but the latter is sweeter. It also has a light color which adds a shiny texture to dishes.
These three types of vinegar make great white balsamic substitutes. Now, let’s find out where this vinegar can be found in the UK.
Where to Buy White Balsamic Vinegar?
You can find white balsamic vinegar in the UK on different online shops. Belazu and Sous-chef are two examples. It can also be purchased at Aldi Farms and Tesco. This vinegar is available online on Truffle Hunter as well.
The Find Food Specialists is one the best places to purchase white balsamic vinegar. Giuseppe Giusti is a type that they have been producing for more than 300 years. It is aged for five years before it is bottled and imported to the UK.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between white balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinegar?
White balsamic vinegar is made from white grapes that are then crushed with skins, seeds and stems to make a ‘grape must’. The processing process is what makes white balsamic vinegar different from conventional balsamic.
Regular balsamic vinegar is made with cooked grapes. The grape juices are slowly cooked, giving it a dark brown color. The white balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is prepared in pressurized vessels. Then, it is aged in stainless steel or wooden barrels for at least 2 months. This gives it a lighter color and milder flavor.
Is White Balsamic Vinegar Healthy?
White balsamic vinegar has fewer sugary components, making it more suitable for diabetics. It is safer to use as an additive than any other form of balsamic vinegar.
Because it is low in fat, it can help stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also be used to manage weight because it makes you feel fuller for longer periods of time.
However, vinegar can cause stomach pain and heartburn in some cases. It can cause gastric problems as well. So stop using it immediately if you feel any of these symptoms.
What is the Best White Balsamic Vinegar?
Tesco, Vorrie, and Belazu distribute the best white balsamic vinegar that comes from Italy.
What do you Use White Balsamic Vinegar for?
It is used primarily to season and marinate meats, as well as dress salads.
Conclusion
Buying authentic white balsamic vinegar makes the best out of your dish, salad or sauce, so it is better. If the rare vinegar is scarce, however, you can always use a substitute of white balsamic vinegar.
You may be able to use white vinegar and rice vinegar. It can also be purchased at a gourmet market, well-stocked grocery shops, and online.
