Relating to a dark, sweet vinegar made from grape juice, or having healing or soothing properties.
From 'balsam,' which comes from Latin 'balsamum' and ultimately from Hebrew 'basam' (spice). The term originally referred to a fragrant resin used for healing, then was applied to the vinegar made in Modena, Italy, which shares those soothing qualities.
Balsamic vinegar takes 12-100 years to make through traditional methods in Modena—it's aged in progressively smaller wooden barrels and becomes increasingly concentrated and precious, which is why authentic balsamic is so expensive!
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