If you have ever used balsamic vinegar or if you want to try you probably know that it is a dark, very concentrated vinegar with such a beautiful flavor. This vinegar is original from Italy and it has as the main ingredient the grape must (in case you didn’t know, the grape must consist of juice crushed grapes along with the pulp and skin).
The question you probably have right now is “Does balsamic vinegar go bad? ” well, like everything else, balsamic vinegar does go bad but not quickly like bread or other foods. So now you know that the answer to the question is yes. Don’t worry, if stored right balsamic vinegar can last for years. The people who asked themselves this and searched on Google reached to find out as you will right now that balsamic vinegar is not something that goes bad in a few days but only in a couple of years so if you found it at a nice price in the supermarket don’t hesitate to buy it, it gives salads such a mirific taste and I promise you won’t regret, but be careful what king of balsamic vinegar you buy.
How can I choose the right balsamic vinegar?
There are more types of balsamic vinegar. There is the original balsamic vinegar made from white grape (usually Trebbiano) must and is called Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar). The grape must be used for making this kind of balsamic vinegar that has to be made from grapes grown in the regions Emilia-Romagna or Modena in Italy. It also has to increase in age naturally until 12 years (this gives is the viscosity it should have), this is a must and is stated in the Italian law. There is balsamic vinegar which was made from grape must older than 12 years ( even 150 years old grape must) but is more expensive than the one produced mechanically. You probably wonder again “does balsamic vinegar go bad” about the traditional balsamic vinegar, well yes it does but it requires years.
The title of high-quality balsamic vinegar is given only by Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale Di Modena (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia (Tradițional Balsamic Vinegar of Emilia) which are prepared through traditional methods and not industrially. This traditional vinegar comes in a special-shaped bottle (they show that the product has been extra aged ) which are sealed with the seal of guarantee.
Of course, not many people would spend thousands of dollars on a bottle of balsamic vinegar made from very old grape must and that’s why there are other varieties of Balsamic vinegar as Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) which is industrially produced and is made with wine vinegar instead of grape must. There also are many varieties of balsamic vinegar made from red wine vinegar mixed with grape must from one of the traditional balsamic vinegar, however they are aged only sometimes and have as ingredient cornflour or guar gum to imitate the texture of the traditional balsamic vinegar.
Make sure that when you buy balsamic vinegar you check the year, the grapes’ quality and how it was aged just like when you buy wine.
How long does balsamic vinegar last?
Now you know that your question has an answer but how long it takes until it might go bad? Balsamic vinegar lasts less or more depending on how it has been made and on how you, or the supermarket from where you bought it, store it.
Balsamic vinegar is good to use after 5 to 10 years from when it was produced and it can last for 2 or 3 years if stored properly.
How to store balsamic vinegar?
This is probably the exact next question you had after you found out the answer to your first question (“does balsamic vinegar go bad?”). The best way to store balsamic vinegar is to keep it in a dark place with a cool temperature, away from heat. Don’t worry if you opened it already, oxygen doesn’t alternate the balsamic vinegar but makes sure you put a cap on the bottle. Even if it becomes cloudy it’s safe to consume.
How to tell if balsamic vinegar goes bad?
Knowing the answer to the question “does balsamic vinegar go bad” the next thing you’ll want to know is how to determine if the balsamic vinegar went bad. In case the balsamic vinegar went bad it might have a mold so check for it, if it doesn’t have any taste, the balsamic vinegar should taste mild acidic with a Lil bit of sweetness not harsh, if it tastes harsh it’s not good anymore. You can also compare the taste to the taste of a freshly opened bottle in case you’re not sure.
