Which Is Healthier: Apple Cider Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar?
Vinegar is a common food product found in pantries all across the globe. There are numerous types of vinegars and each kind has unique characteristics. Apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar are amongst the most popular vinegars used in the kitchen, but they are very different in nature. To better understand which is healthier - apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar - let’s first outline the similarities and differences of these two vinegars.
A Comparison of Apple Cider Vinegar vs Balsamic Vinegar
Vinegar becomes vinegar through a fermentation process. Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice, malt vinegar comes from fermented grains of malted barley, and cane vinegar is derived from fermented syrup of crushed cane sugar. When it comes to apple cider vinegar vs balsamic vinegar, they also come from two different food sources.
Key Ingredient
As the name indicates, apples are the base ingredient of apple cider vinegar. As part of a two-step fermentation process, apples are crushed into apple juice and naturally-occuring yeast turns the juice into alcohol. From there, the second fermentation begins as bacteria changes the alcohol into acetic acid. Water is then added to the acetic acid to achieve the right amount of acidity.
For balsamic vinegar, grapes are the primary ingredient. Here at Vines & Groves, we create premium, barrel-aged balsamic vinegars following a fermentation process set forth by centuries-old Mediterranean tradition. We take the must of Trebbiano grapes and allow the freshly crushed grape juice to age in oak barrels. As it ages, an evaporation process occurs, which makes the balsamic vinegar become thick and concentrated.
Taste
The long aging process of balsamic vinegar makes it a sweet and smooth vinegar. Comparatively, apple cider vinegar has a sour and tart taste to it.
Color
Balsamic vinegar is a deep brown color, whereas apple cider vinegar is a translucent amber brown or murky, light brown color. You will find two variations of apple cider vinegar - one with “the mother” and one without. Apple cider vinegar with the mother has a cloudy appearance.
Texture
Remember that prolonged aging process used to produce balsamic vinegar? That process not only gives balsamic vinegar a rich and complex flavor profile, it also gives balsamic vinegar its distinct texture. Balsamic vinegar is a dense, syrupy type of texture, while apple cider vinegar is a runny, liquid consistency.
Flavors
Apple cider vinegar does not come in flavored options, but balsamic vinegar does. Yes, you can find stores that stock apple cider flavored distilled vinegar. This is not a true apple cider vinegar. Rather, it’s white distilled vinegar with added flavors and colors to replicate the appearance of apple cider vinegar.
As for balsamic vinegar, Vines & Groves produces three different flavored balsamic vinegars in addition to our traditional, barrel-aged balsamic vinegar:
- Fig Balsamic Vinegar
- Orange Cranberry Vinegar
- Peach Balsamic Vinegar
Furthermore, Vines & Groves manufactures a premium white balsamic vinegar. White balsamic vinegar is also made from Trebbiano grapes, but the grapes are cooked under pressure and the vinegar does not caramelize. This process gives white balsamic vinegar a lighter color tone, but you can expect the same sweet taste as traditional balsamic vinegar.
Both our traditional, barrel-aged balsamic vinegar and premium white balsamic vinegar can be combined with any of our organic, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oils to create an outstanding vinaigrette. In fact, it’s such a popular pairing that Vines & Groves sells an olive oil and balsamic vinegar gift set.
How To Determine Which Is Healthier - Apple Cider Vinegar or Balsamic
As you compare which is healthier - apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar - you will discover both types of vinegar contain acetic acid. The health-promoting benefits of acetic acid is one reason why vinegar is a healthy ingredient to incorporate into your everyday meals.
Blood Sugar
Acetic acid can help control and regulate blood sugar levels.
Weight Loss
Acetic acid can increase the rate your body burns fat.
Blood Pressure
Acetic acid can help maintain or even lower your blood pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory
Acetic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Balsamic Is Better
Although both types of vinegars have redeeming qualities, balsamic vinegar has some additional health advantages.