A friend of mine gave me some White Balsamic Vinegar. Never heard of it and don't know any applications. Is it just a lighter version of the regular Balsamic Vinegar? Any ideas for use would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi rocktruck, the white balsamic is milder/lighter and less sweet than regular balsamic. It's really a matter of taste...the white also won't add any reddish tint to dressings or sauces, if that's an issue. Also, the white balsamic is made with white wine vinegar instead of red. I think it's nice for things like vinaigrettes or marinades when you want something lighter in taste and not quite as sweet. The brand of white balsamic I have right now is made by Alessi.

I love white balsamic vinegar! Like black balsamic, it varies greatly from brand to brand and price range. The brand I like best (I've only tried 3-4, however) is Napa Valley's Naturals Golden Balsamic. I use it often to deglaze pans when cooking with chicken or shellfish. I tasted Napa's side by side with Trader Joe's White Balsamic and wow were they different from one another! Champagne, I haven't tried Alessi's brand, but I'll look for it next time!

I also use white balsamic in vinaigrette, when I don't want the dark color of the black balsamic.

Here is what Napa Valley says about their Golden Balsamic:

"Today, most Golden Balsamic Vinegar consists simply of sugar, and low-grade vinegar that is boiled and stored in stainless steel tanks for less than one year. At Napa Valley Naturals our authentic Golden Balsamic Vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Naturale) from the Modena District in central Italy is pure, fresh and fruity with a delicately balanced aroma similar to Chardonnay. This is a fresh, full bodied, zesty vinegar that is light in flavor and won't discolor food."

Rocktruck, I hope this helps and it would be interesting to hear which brand you have in your pantry,

Myrtle/Marlene

I also have a bottle of this one from "O" I got at HomeGoods but haven't tried it yet. Their other vinegars and olive oils are very good, including their regular balsamic. The prices at HomeGoods are also about half of what you see on their site. I paid $6 for the white balsamic.

http://www.ooliveoil.com/product_cabalsamic.php?n=O california white balsamic vinegar

Hmmm...I'm not sure that link will work. You can also go to http://www.ooliveoil.com, click on products, then California Balsamics.

Champagne, O is such a great product line and I imagine their white balsamic will be very nice

Let us know! It's fun to compare brands side by side.

Myrtle/Marlene

Myrtle, their products are very good. I especially love their champagne vinegar, citrus champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar and regular balsamic. They have a champagne pomegranate vinegar that's excellent. Also, I love their cute bottles.

I love the "O" bottles, too... they make a great rose vase. Their champagne vinegar is the best and their oils are nice. Definitely trying their white balsamic. I'll bet it's even better than my bottle of Napa.....

Myrtle/Marlene