Consumer protection often warns against black color in balsamic vinegar

Dark color is not always real: organic balsamico without coloring ingredients
Especially in the warm summer months, many people prefer to eat light meals. Ideal are delicious salads, which are refined with noble vinegar varieties. Especially popular is Aceto Balsamico. There are, however, significant differences in quality. Experts have some tips for consumers.

Popular dressing for delicious salads
Salad is popular as a side dish or as a main course. Most salads are delicious and healthy. The coronation for every salad is the dressing. Aceto Balsamico is especially popular here. For caprese (tomatoes with mozzarella) the dark grape vinegar is a must, just as with other Mediterranean dishes. There are a lot of products with the name on the market. They often differ significantly in their quality. Experts have some tips on what should be respected.

Especially in summer, tasty salads for the light cuisine. They are especially refined with Aceto Balsamico. But beware: The dark color of this vinegar is not always real. (Image: Dani Vincek / fotolia.com)

Dark color is not always real
Aceto Balsamico is made from grape must or concentrated grape must and wine vinegar. "For the characteristic, deep brown color provide many products such as caramel or caramel," said Silke Noll, nutrition expert of the Consumer Center Bavaria, in a statement.

The name "Aceto Balsamico" is not legally protected. More exact specifications must meet "Aceto Balsamico di Modena".

It bears the EU's blue-and-yellow seal for a protected geographical indication. The producers undertake to use grapes from the regions of Modena or Reggio Emilia.

Also required is an acidity of at least six percent and a storage of at least 60 days in a wooden barrel. The bottling can also be done in Germany.

Organic balsamico without coloring ingredients
Organic balsamic comes without coloring ingredients. Organic manufacturers use intensively cooked, dark grape must and often let the vinegar ripen longer.

Therefore, its price is usually well above the conventional products.

Of course there is also the possibility to make herbal oils and fruity vinegar for the salad itself. It may take weeks for the salad dressings to be ready for consumption, but then you always know exactly what's in it. (Ad)