Summertime is the right time to try Big Paw Blond Balsamic Vinegar. Clean and crisp is what you want when mixing up a big salad or adding a bit of punch to a tomato or avocado. Light tasting with a mellow, fruity undertone that isn't too fruity (save that for the libations instead!). Don't put this away once the sun turns to cold—just add a few drops to a whip cream dressing for a little summer freshness any day of the year.

Are blonde balsamic vinegar and light balsamic vinegar the same?

Easy to mix the two, but no! Blonde balsamic vinegar and light balsamic vinegar are not the same—at least to us. The terms vary depending on the brand of manufacturer, but our blonde balsamic vinegar is a type of balsamic vinegar that's a lighter color and flavor compared to traditional dark balsamic vinegar. It's aged for a shorter period in wooden barrels, resulting in a milder, fruitier taste and a lighter appearance.

On the other hand, "light" balsamic vinegar usually refers to a lower-calorie version of balsamic vinegar. It's made by diluting traditional balsamic vinegar with water or other ingredients to reduce calorie content, resulting in a weaker balsamic flavor. Not on our watch!

What makes blonde balsamic vinegar different from regular balsamic vinegar?

Blonde balsamic vinegar differs from regular balsamic vinegar in a few key ways:

Color: Regular balsamic vinegar is dark brown as the lengthy aging process allows it to interact with the wooden barrels it's stored in for longer, giving it that dark hue. Blonde balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is lighter in color, usually gold or pale amber—like rays of the sun!

Aging process: Regular balsamic vinegar undergoes a long aging process, typically aging for a minimum of 12 years—some traditional varieties age for even longer! On the other hand, Blonde balsamic vinegar has a shorter aging period, usually ranging from a few months to a couple of years. While the flavor tends to be milder, it doesn't reduce the tart, fruity complexity that makes it a pantry staple.

Ingredients: Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from grape must, which is freshly crushed grape juice, cooked down, and then fermented and aged. Our blonde balsamic vinegar is made from a similar process but with white grape must instead of dark grape must. This variation in grape gives that lighter color and sweeter flavor profile of blonde balsamic vinegar.

What can I use blonde balsamic vinegar on?

Blonde balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient that adds a lovely touch of acidity, sweetness, and depth of flavor to various dishes. We recommend adding it to salads with delicate greens or marinades for seafood and chicken. You can also reduce the vinegar to a glaze and pour it over roasted meats, charcuterie boards, or fruits for a touch of acidity and bright flavor.