Balsamic vinegar



Balsamic vinegar (Italian: aceto balsamico) is a vinegar originating from Italy, increasingly popular throughout the Union.

There are three types of balsamic vinegar:
 * 1) Authentic traditional artisan balsamic vinegar, the only kind that may legally be described as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale in the Union.
 * 2) Commercial grade balsamic vinegars produced on an industrial scale.
 * 3) Condimento grade products, which are often a mix of the two above

The original, costly, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, is made from a reduction of cooked white Trebbiano grape juice, and used as a condiment. It has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the Middle Ages, being mentioned in a document dated 1046 CE. Appreciated in the House of Este during the Renaissance, it is highly valued by modern chefs and gourmet food lovers. Balsamic vinegar contains no balsam. The word balsamico (from Latin balsamum, from Greek βάλσαμον) means "balsam-like" in the sense of "restorative" or "curative".

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena), an inexpensive imitation, is today widely available and much better known throughout the Union. It is the kind commonly found on restaurant tables and used in salad dressing.

The names "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena" (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) and "Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia" (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia) are protected by the Union.

Commercial grade balsamic vinegars are inexpensive, (1 credit per liter) and widely available through the Xchange system and is tremendously popular not only with Shaill, Shail, Yokuda, Elly and the Nul but also with most Homo Galactus. That it is liked by the Boloth is evident in the 1000 liter package available.

Authentic traditional artisan balsamic vinegar is an ultra lux item produced only on Terra in very limited amounts and carries a price of 250 or more credits per 500 milliliters.

