Fruit flavored vinegars are a real treat for any foodie. And this blood orange infused balsamic vinegar is perfect for your salad, pasta and yes, even ice cream!
Fruit infused vinegars are the latest rage in the food industry. I sampled many when I was eating my way through the 2014 Winter Fancy Food Show back in January. The vibrant colors and flavors are incredibly enticing, especially for a foodie like me.
What sets these vinegars apart from the ho-hum vinegars out there? The emergence of WHITE balsamic vinegar.
Just like white vinegar, white balsamic vinegar makes a great base for flavored vinegars. And since we are in the middle of citrus season, I decided to make some blood orange infused balsamic vinegar.
Why you have to try this recipe
I found some white balsamic vinegar at my local Trader Joe’s. White balsamic vinegar has a slight sweetness to it, like it’s red counterpart, but it lacks the thick syrup-like consistency.
It is made with white (or green) grapes instead of red, giving it a clear, light green color. And now that white balsamic vinegar is growing in popularity, it is getting easier to find.
Fruit infused vinegars aren’t new to the food scene. Typically, you can find red balsamic vinegar infused with fruits like cherry, strawberry and orange. For this infused vinegar, I chose to infuse white balsamic vinegar with beautiful blood oranges.
The clear base means that the vinegar will develop the color of the fruit you are using for the infusion. The fruity white balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with any fruits you want to flavor your vinegar with. It’s a wonderful fruity, slightly sweet and with a little zip of vinegar. And did I mention the gorgeous, ruby-red color?
And unlike flavored oils, it is much easier and safe to use your newly flavored vinegar. All that is holding you back is your imagination.
Ingredients you need
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- Blood oranges: As I mentioned before, you can use almost any fruit to flavor your vinegar. I chose ruby red blood oranges.
- White balsamic vinegar: For a sweeter vinegar, I used white balsamic vinegar. I found it at Trader Joe’s but you can also order it online if you can’t find it locally. You can also infuse white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but it won’t be as sweet as white balsamic vinegar.
Tools to Use
Step-by-step directions
1. In a small non-reactive saucepan warm vinegar over medium heat.
2. Add orange slices and cook gently until vinegar slightly thickens, about 20 minutes. You can keep the peel or remove it for the steeping. Some people find the peel to be bitter. Remove from heat and bring to room temperature. Carefully transfer fruit and vinegar to a sanitized 16-ounce jar.
3. Store in a cool, dark place for two weeks and discard fruit. Use vinegar as you would any other vinegar.
Recipe tips and FAQs
I really enjoy making flavored vinegars. I have already shared with you how to make herb infused vinegar, specifically using sage blossoms and chive blossoms. The result is a beautiful lavender colored vinegar.
For this sweeter fruit flavored balsamic vinegar, you can go beyond the usual salads and pasta dishes. Try drizzling it over some creamy vanilla ice cream.
Vinegar over vanilla ice cream? Hello!! It’s Blood Orange Balsamic Vinegar! Don’t knock it ’til you tried it! I love getting inspired from what I find at these food shows.
Homemade infused vinegars can last for several months, once the fruit is strained out. Keep it in a cool place, even the refrigerator for 3-4 months. When the color starts to brown, then it is time to throw it out. For more information about infused vinegars, check out this great article by the University of Georgia.
Blood Orange Flavored Vinegar
Fruit flavored vinegars are a real treat for any foodie. And this blood orange infused balsamic vinegar is perfect for your salad, pasta and yes, even ice cream!
Ingredients
- 3 blood oranges, peeled and sliced
- 12 oz white balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a small non-reactive saucepan warm orange slices and vinegar over medium heat.
- Cook gently until vinegar slightly thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and bring to room temperature.
- Carefully transfer fruit and vinegar to a sanitized 16-ounce jar.
- Store in a cool, dark place for two weeks and discard fruit. Use vinegar as you would any other vinegar.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Use this vinegar to make a quick vinaigrette for green salad or pasta. Add some fruity zing to your ice cream with a little drizzle, too.
Cooking Tips: If you cannot find white balsamic vinegar, substitute with champagne vinegar and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
32Serving Size:
1 tspAmount Per Serving: Calories: 16Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g
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Hi: How long will this beautiful vinegar keep, in the refrigerator?
Thanks,
Denise
Once you strain out the orange slices, your vinegar will keep 3-4 months, maybe longer. When you notice the color changing, then it is time to get rid of it. I found this great article that explains more about infused vinegars: https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uga/uga_flavored_vinegars.pdf
Laura
This looks delicious! I’m always looking for a reason to eat something with ice cream ๐ Thanks for the recipe!
Wow. Yum!
Now, a twist. I macerate strawberries in Vanilla Fig Balsamic from the Temecula Olive Oil Company and orange blossom honey, and to channel Sippity Sup’s Greg, a splash of Grand Marnier. Put THAT on to vanilla ice cream. I thought I’d gone to heaven.
Vinegar over ice cream is CRAZY (good). I too have been working on a similar combination. Mine involves booze. Big Shock. GREG
Love the idea of making your own fruity balsamic vinegar. Have to give it try with ice cream too. Looks absolutely delicious.
Lovely pictures of an awesome infused vinegar! I need to make this vinegar and the thought of pouring it over ice cream has my really, really excited!!!
Somebody please pass me a spoon, now! : )
I have everything on hand – I don’t think the vinaigrette will be boring at all! Gorgeous color.
We have some chocolate balsamic vinegar that is sooo good. And so different. This looks wonderful! Love the idea of serving this over ice cream. Thanks.
I’ve never had vinegar like this but I have had balsamic vinegar on ice cream and I loved it. This is beautiful!