Tuesday, March 1, 2011

What's in it?: Priano Balsamic Vinegar

I picked up this bottle of Balsamic Vinegar at Aldi's and only saw it had chemicals in it when I got home. I decided to break down the ingredients to see what this really is.

Priano Balasmic Vinegar: wine vinegar, concentrated grape must, sulphite amonia caramel, potassium metabisulphate

wine vinegar- is an acidic liquid that is produced from the fermentation of ethanol alcohol. The word "vinegar" derives from the Latin words "vinum aegrum" meaning "feeble wine". Wine vinegar is made from red and white wine and is widely used in Europe and the Mediterranean. Wine vinegar tends to have a lower acidity than that of white or cider vinegars.

Grape Must- is the freshly pressed juice that contains the skin, steam, and seeds of the fruit. This is the first step in wine making and has a high glucose level and is often used as a sweetner.

sulphite amonia caramel- is a soluble food coloring. It is made by a carefully controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates in a process called caramelization. It is more fully oxidized and has an odor of burnt sugar and a somewhat bitter taste. Its color ranges from pale yellow to amber to dark brown. Sulfite ammonia caramel, acid-proof caramel, soft-drink caramel
In the presence of both sulfite and ammonium compounds and is used in soft drinks. Caramel coloring is exempt from classification and there are no guidelines for consumption. There are differing views on whether caramel color is toxic and a carcinogen.

Potassium metabisulfite- is a white crystaline powder with a pungent sulfur odour. The main use for the chemical is as an antioxident. Potassium metabisulfite is does not contribute sodium to the diet. It is restricted in food because it can cause an allergic reaction and is used in wine to protect the flavors and color of wine.

Interesting.

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