First and foremost, proper storage of balsamic vinegar is essential, to keep the organoleptic characteristics described here intact and unaltered over time.
Due to the acidic nature of balsamic vinegar, resulting from high-quality ingredients and very long aging, balsamic vinegar is actually self-preserving and prevents the growth and proliferation of bacteria within it. Therefore, it can be stored for more than 10 years after opening and still be safe, shelf-stable and edible. However, if basic storage instructions on how to store balsamic vinegar are not followed, its flavor, fragrance and texture may fade irreversibly.
What is the best way to store balsamic vinegar?
The best way to store balsamic vinegar also depends on the package. Balsamic vinegar is usually sold in clear glass bottles to allow for inspection and the capacity of which varies according to the range of balsamic vinegar. Based on the type of bottle, it is easier to tell which balsamic vinegar it contains and how to store it correctly.
The official packaging of the most important ranges of balsamic vinegar are as follows:
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO is packaged in a 100-ml glass bottle with a Giugiaro design and the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO in a 100-ml glass bottle shaped like an upside-down tulip.
- Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI is packaged in larger glass bottles, or other types of packaging.
As a result, the color, aroma, thickness and tartness of balsamic vinegar may alter over time unless the following essential guidelines for balsamic vinegar storage are applied:
- Use the original packaging to store balsamic vinegar and avoid transferring it to other bottles.
- Store at room temperature, in a cool, dark and dry place (pantry or kitchen cupboard).
- Do not add any other substance to improve the preservation of balsamic vinegar.
- Reseal the bottle with its cap after opening, to avoid contamination with food particles and dust.
- Clean up any spills from the bottle to avoid attracting fruit flies.
- Never store the bottle in sunlight or near heat sources.
- Keep the bottle away from children and pets.
Do you refrigerate balsamic vinegar after opening?
Many consumers question whether storing balsamic in the refrigerator after opening increases its shelf life. While refrigeration after opening is necessary for lots of foods and beverages, it is not required for balsamic vinegar. The temperature drop caused by refrigerating, chilling, or worse, freezing and icing balsamic vinegar could cause crystallization and spoilage and undesirable flavor dilution. For the same reasons, tasting balsamic vinegar should also be done at room temperature.
Does balsamic vinegar evaporate?
Like any other liquid and fluid substance, oxygen exposure and sharp variations in temperature can cause the surface layer of an unsealed bottle of balsamic vinegar to evaporate. This can result in a loss of acidity and a noticeable change of the original hints to an overly strong taste and the formation of deposits and lumps caused by the hardening and thickening of balsamic vinegar.
Does balsamic vinegar expire or go bad?
As mentioned above, properly stored balsamic vinegar remains safe and edible for up to many years after unsealing the bottle and never goes bad. However, some differences between different sorts of balsamic vinegar should be noted.
- The expiry date for Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO is 10 years from bottling, as indicated on the label.
- Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, on the other hand, has no expiry date, and is said to literally last a lifetime.
The high price of premium traditional balsamic vinegar usually suggests thrifty use, so its long expiration date is considered an advantage for those wishing to store it as long as possible.
Balsamic glazes and creams are made with one part of balsamic vinegar that is not regulated by any official certification, so shelf life varies depending on each producer’s recipe. The expiry date should be checked carefully from the package label even though it usually lasts up to three or four years and will not go bad before then.
Compared to balsamic glazes, condimento balsamico (balsamic condiment) has a higher balsamic vinegar concentration, and a longer shelf life.
Regardless of the variety of products used, the expiration date should always be checked on the label of the package and the storage rules listed above should be applied in order to keep balsamic vinegar healthy, tasty and safe as long as possible.
In conclusion, proper storage of balsamic vinegar does not require any special techniques or in-depth knowledge of the product, just a fair amount of care to prevent such a good, delicate and expensive product from going bad or being wasted unnecessarily.