White balsamic glaze is a sweet and tangy condiment that can be used to dress up a variety of dishes. It has a milder flavor compared to traditional balsamic vinegar, making it versatile for both savory and sweet applications.
What is balsamic glaze?
Balsamic glaze is made by reducing balsamic vinegar down to a thick, syrupy consistency. As the vinegar cooks down, the natural sugars become concentrated, creating a rich, sweet flavor. Balsamic glaze has a glossy, viscous texture that allows it to nicely coat foods.
Traditional balsamic glaze is made from aged balsamic vinegar that originated in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. It goes through a lengthy aging process in wooden casks, developing complex layers of sweetness, acidity, and oak flavors. This gives traditional balsamic glaze a dark brown color and robust flavor.
By comparison, white balsamic glaze is produced using white balsamic vinegar that has not undergone the same aging process. White balsamic is made from pressed white grapes, such as Trebbiano grapes. It is aged for a much shorter time in stainless steel tanks rather than wooden barrels. This gives it a light golden color and milder flavor.
How is white balsamic glaze made?
To make white balsamic glaze, white balsamic vinegar is slowly simmered in a pan until it reaches a syrupy consistency. The process usually takes 30-60 minutes of cooking time to sufficiently reduce the vinegar down by half or more.
As the vinegar reduces, the natural sugar content becomes concentrated, creating a deliciously sweet flavor. However, the mild acidity of the white balsamic still comes through to provide balance. The result is a glossy glaze with a viscosity that clings well to foods.
Here is a simple recipe to make white balsamic glaze at home:
White Balsamic Glaze Recipe
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| White balsamic vinegar | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until reduced by half and thickened to a glaze consistency.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.
What does white balsamic glaze taste like?
White balsamic glaze has a sweet, tangy, and mildly acidic flavor. It tastes like a sweetened and thickened version of white balsamic vinegar.
Here are some notes on the flavor profile:
- Sweetness – White balsamic glaze tastes sweet due to the sugar content being concentrated as the vinegar reduces. It has a honey-like sweetness.
- Tanginess – You still get brightness from the balsamic vinegar, but it is more mellow compared to a traditional dark balsamic glaze.
- Acidity – The mild acidity of the white balsamic comes through, but is tempered by the sweetness.
- Fruity – It may have delicate fruity notes from the white grape must used to make the vinegar.
- Mild flavor – Overall, white balsamic glaze has a very smooth, mild taste compared to the robustness of traditional balsamic glaze.
What is white balsamic glaze used for?
White balsamic glaze can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Its mild flavor makes it versatile for finishing or drizzling over:
- Caprese salad
- Bruschetta
- Pasta
- Seafood
- Chicken
- Pork chops
- Vegetables
- Berries
- Panna cotta
- Pound cake
- Whipped cream
- Fruit tarts
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
A few drops add the perfect sweet tangy finish on top of savory dishes. For fruit or desserts, it makes an elegant drizzle or sauce. The glaze helps highlight and balance flavors of the components underneath.
What dishes use white balsamic glaze?
Here are some recipe ideas that are enhanced with white balsamic glaze:
Savory white balsamic glaze recipes
- Arugula salad with strawberries, goat cheese, and white balsamic glaze
- White balsamic glazed scallops
- Pork tenderloin with white balsamic cherry sauce
- Grilled chicken with white balsamic peach salsa
- Caprese skewers with white balsamic drizzle
Sweet white balsamic glaze recipes
- Berries with whipped cream and white balsamic glaze
- White balsamic mascarpone tarts
- Panna cotta with white balsamic strawberry sauce
- White balsamic peach melba
- Ricotta cheesecake with white balsamic glazed cherries
Is white balsamic glaze keto?
White balsamic glaze can fit into a keto diet when used in moderation. A 2 tablespoon serving of white balsamic glaze contains around 7 grams of sugar and 25 calories. This is a low enough carbohydrate amount to work for most keto meal plans.
The sweetness of the glaze helps satisfy cravings for sweet flavors on keto as well. Drizzle just a little bit over keto-friendly foods like salads, grilled meats, low-carb desserts, and berries.
Can you substitute white balsamic glaze for other ingredients?
White balsamic glaze makes a good substitute for the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Substitution Notes |
|---|---|
| Balsamic glaze | Use white balsamic glaze when you want a milder, sweeter flavor |
| Maple syrup | Has a similar sticky, sweet quality but with an Italian flavor twist |
| Honey | Brings sweetness without overpowering other flavors |
| Simple syrup | Provides a viscous sweetness and texture for drizzling |
Keep in mind that white balsamic glaze has a lower sugar content than ingredients like maple syrup and honey. You may need to use a little more glaze to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Can you make substitutions for white balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have white balsamic glaze, here are some ingredients that work well as substitutes:
- White wine vinegar – Reduce white wine vinegar into a syrup. It won’t have the fruitiness but provides tang.
- Rice vinegar – Cooked down into a glaze, rice vinegar adds mild acidity.
- Lemon juice – Reduced lemon juice gives a sweet-tart citrus glaze.
- Light agave nectar – Has a similar neutral, sweet flavor.
- Simple syrup – Boil equal parts sugar and water into a syrup consistency.
For the best results, look for substitutes that mimic the viscosity of the glaze in addition to the flavor.
Can you make white balsamic glaze thicker?
There are a few ways to thicken up a white balsamic glaze:
- Simmer the glaze for longer to reduce it further. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add a pinch of cornstarch or arrowroot powder while simmering.
- Blend in a small amount of xanthan gum to increase viscosity.
- Stir in a teaspoon of honey for added body.
Keep in mind that reducing the glaze longer will concentrate the flavor and make it taste sweeter. Adding thickeners like xanthan gum will change the texture slightly.
How long does white balsamic glaze last?
Properly stored, white balsamic glaze can last:
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 month
- Freezer: Up to 6 months
Keep white balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The high acidity helps prevent bacteria growth.
For longer term storage, freeze the glaze in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Over time, the flavor of the glaze may degrade slightly but it will remain safe to eat. If mold appears, throw the glaze out.
How to store white balsamic glaze
To properly store white balsamic glaze:
- Transfer to an airtight glass jar, squeeze bottle, or storage container with a tight fitting lid.
- Make sure the container is clean and dry before filling.
- Ensure the glaze is completely cool before sealing.
- Store in the refrigerator.
- If freezing, first place in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Use within 1 month for peak freshness.
The vinegar content helps prevent spoilage at room temperature, but refrigeration extends the shelf life significantly. Freezing prevents moisture loss and texture changes over longer storage.
Can you reuse white balsamic glaze jars?
The jars or bottles that white balsamic glaze comes in can be reused for food storage. Thoroughly wash the container with hot soapy water first.
Here are some great ways to reuse white balsamic glaze jars:
- Store homemade salad dressings, marinades, or sauce
- Hold spices, herbs, or baking ingredients
- Use for freezing and storing broths, stocks, or soups
- Repurpose as a drinking glass or utensil holder
- Upcycle into jewelry holders, cotton ball containers, etc.
The small size works nicely for household organization. And the glass construction allows you to see the contents easily. Just be sure to carefully wash off any remaining glaze residue before reuse.
Where to buy white balsamic glaze
Here are some places where you can purchase white balsamic glaze:
- Grocery stores – Find white balsamic glaze in the oil and vinegar section, often near salad dressings.
- Specialty markets – Italian markets or gourmet stores carry high quality options.
- Online – Purchase through online retailers like Amazon.
- Direct from brands – Check company websites of brands like Oliviers & Co, Monari Federzoni, etc.
- Make your own – DIY with white balsamic vinegar and sugar.
For the freshest taste, look for bottled glaze where you can see the product rather than generic containers. Check the label for ingredients and avoid additives.
Popular brands of white balsamic glaze
Some top brands producing white balsamic glaze include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Oliviers & Co | High quality aged white balsamic from Modena, Italy |
| Monari Federzoni | Traditional balsamic vinegar producer based in Italy |
| Stonewall Kitchen | Specialty food company out of Maine, USA |
| Lucini Italia | Family-run business crafting Italian imports |
| Colavita | Italian family company since 1912 |
When buying, look for brands that specify they use white balsamic vinegar, preferably from Modena, Italy. This helps ensure you get the true sweet-tangy white balsamic flavor.
Is there a difference between white balsamic glaze and balsamic glaze?
The main differences between white balsamic glaze and traditional balsamic glaze include:
| White Balsamic Glaze | Balsamic Glaze |
|---|---|
| Made from white balsamic vinegar | Made from aged, traditional balsamic vinegar |
| Light golden color | Dark brown or nearly black |
| Mild, subtly sweet flavor | Robust, rich sweet and sour flavor |
| Good for both savory and sweet recipes | Works best in savory recipes |
So in summary – white balsamic glaze has a lighter color and more mellow flavor that makes it adaptable to more applications. Traditional balsamic glaze is darker with a pronounced sweet-tart taste.
Conclusion
White balsamic glaze is made by cooking down white balsamic vinegar into a sweet, syrupy consistency. It has a golden color and mild yet tangy flavor. The glaze can be drizzled over salads, grilled meats, fruits, and desserts to add a touch of sweetness. When shopping, look for white balsamic glaze from quality brands for the best flavor. Store glaze in the refrigerator to help it maintain freshness.
