A standard item in the cook's pantry, vinegar is a staple in salad dressings and a variety of dishes. Many types of vinegar are available, including distilled white vinegar, wine vinegar and malt vinegar. One of the most popular and versatile vinegars is cider vinegar, and one of the most expensive is balsamic vinegar.
Definition
Made in a two-part fermenting process, vinegar begins with a fruit or grain sugar source, such as apples, grapes or rice. The source ferments into an alcohol, and then bacteria called acetobacter are added that further ferment the alcohol into the acetic acid that gives vinegar its characteristic sour flavor. The unique flavor found in different types of vinegar is determined by the source of sugar and whether it is an artisanal vinegar that was slowly fermented or a commercial variety rapidly fermented for mass production, according to the website Culinate.com.
Cider Vinegar
Cider vinegar, also called apple cider vinegar, is fermented from apples to produce a tangy and inexpensive vinegar. A good all-purpose vinegar, cider vinegar works well in fruit and vegetable salads, marinades and chutneys. It is also frequently used to make pickles.
Balsamic Vinegar
An Italian vinegar made from trebbiano or lambrusco grapes, traditional balsamic vinegar is aged for years in wooden barrels to produce a mildly acidic and fruity vinegar. The true artisan-made balsamic vinegars are labeled "tradizionale" and may cost more than $100 a bottle. These have been aged for at least 12 years and the resulting vinegar is sweet and sour, dark and full-flavored. A condiment grade of balsamic vinegar is aged less than 12 years. Commercially prepared balsamic vinegars are fermented quickly and often include other ingredients.
Comparison
Balsamic vinegar is darker, thicker, sweeter and more complex than cider vinegar. Balsamic and cider vinegar are both used in salad dressings and marinades. Balsamic vinegar's unique flavor allows it to be used in ways that would not be suitable for cider vinegar's stronger flavor, such as drizzled straight from the bottle over desserts, vegetables and roasted chicken.
Considerations
Grocery stores sometimes sell imitation balsamic vinegars made from generic red wine vinegar with flavors added to resemble the taste of real balsamic vinegar. Be sure to read the labels to see if the product was made using grapes or other ingredients.
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