Kitchen

[Snicks1]

I hear Food Network cooks/chefs talk about using a "good" balsamic vinegar all the time, but what brands are considered "good"? What brand do you use and consider to be a good brand? TIA

[4OU2]

Dean & Deluca.

[nomless]

A real simple answer is good balsamic vinegar is expensive and is rarely found in grocery stores. Specialty stores carry it. Price can be $50 and up. It's very thick and rich. Typical groceries carry the inexpensive balsamic that's not really balsamic.

Check out this video that explains it.

Here's a link to an article with information about real balsamic vinegar

[LexPex]

I only use white balsamic vinegar for salads...it is delicious and a bit more pricey although I certainly can't afford $50 a bottle

[sfnative]

I was SO over balsamic vinegar, until I found a recipe for raw beet and carrot salad which required balsamic vinegar. After giving it some thought, I headed for Whole Foods and discovered a white balsamic vinegar that looked very much like a white wine. It was perfect for the salad and did not have the weighty flavor of the dark balsamic vinegar: "Napoleon White Balsamic, Light and Crisp." Product of Italy.16.9 fl. oz.

[Harpa]

That "good" expression gets me! Ina always says "good vanilla," "good EVOO," etc. I always think, as opposed to what? Bad vanilla?! Bad Evoo?! Bad balsamic vinegar?!

And I bet my vanilla is better than hers!

I usually get Wegman's BV, and it is good....I mean, it isn't bad!

[DiAnne]

For everyday cooking and making salad dressing I use Kirkland brand (Costco) balsamic vinegar. For drizzling, etc. where you need really good balsamic plan to pay $25 to $50 for a small bottle.

[FastDogWalker2]

I always shop for this at Trader Joe's. It works for me!

[Harpa]

Yes, I do realize the differences, and cost of the product is a good barometer in this case. If I made my living as a Chef, and depending on where I was a Chef, I would choose balsamic vinegar with much more discrimination.

[pippa_1]

Good balsamic vinegar is made in Modena, Italy. Good vanilla is made from Madagascar. You can find good options for both items at whole foods, and good choices that aren't super expensive. Check their 365 store brand, prices are very and sometimes less than wegmans, etc.. And good quality.