Vinegar Tonic

:: Ingredients ::

70 ml white grape juice
100 ml tonic water
30 ml Chardonnay Gardeny balsamic vinegar
5 g lemon peel
2 juniper berries
2 ice cubes

:: Preparation ::

Pour the white grape juice into a mixing glass.
Add the Chardonnay Gardeny balsamic vinegar and stir gently to combine.
Add the ice cubes and the two juniper berries to the glass.
Cut a piece of lemon peel and place it in the glass to add aroma.
Pour in the tonic water carefully to retain its fizz.
Stir lightly and serve the tonic in a suitable glass. Enjoy this refreshing combination!

Did you like this recipe? Continue to discover how to use our vinegars and bittersweets

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Scalivada cream toast

:: Ingredients ::

100 g of roasted red pepper
100 g of roasted aubergine
1 clove of garlic
10 ml of BADIA organic red wine vinegar
20 ml of extra virgin olive oil
60 g of toasted and peeled hazelnuts
2 slices of toasted bread
Lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
Salt

Garnish options:

Toasted hazelnuts
Assorted olives
Sesame seeds
Aromatic herbs

:: Preparation ::

1. Grind the red pepper with the aubergine, clove of garlic and the hazelnuts.
Add the EVOO and Badia organic red wine vinegar, along with the lemon juice, salt and paprika.

2. Grind everything until you get a homogeneous texture. Keep it in the refrigerator until serving time.

Presentation of the dish

3. Spread the cream over the toast.

4. Before serving, you can add hazelnuts, olives, sesame seeds, aromatic herbs, a splash of Badia organic red wine vinegar or EVOO to accompany it.

Did you like this recipe? Continue to discover how to use our vinegars and bittersweets

Broccoli dumplings with sweet and sour sauce

7 January, 2019

Coconutbowl with Tempranillo wine vinegar

7 January, 2019

Reinventing the classics with a contemporary twist: the new generation of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vinegars

We dedicate this new blog entry to tell you about one of the great new stars of 2024. Today we present the new generation of vinegars made with Chardonnay white wine and Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. This reinvention of the most classic vinegars of the Gardeny range means offering flavours with a more modern touch and in tune with contemporary gastronomic trends.

Badia Vinagres broke new ground by introducing a range of gastronomic vinegars to the market with the aim of valuing vinegar as an essential element in the kitchen. Now, thirty years later, the two most iconic vinegars of the Gardeny range have been reinvented to adapt to current trends, but without losing the essence that made them so special. This new generation is the culmination of years of experience and know-how, offering food lovers artisanal vinegars of unrivalled quality.

Grab your kitchen notebooks because below we will talk about each vinegar and give you some recommendations that can help you take your gastronomic preparations to another level.

Cabernet Sauvignon Balsamic Vinegar

Vinegar made with Cabernet Sauvignon red wine connects us directly with the most authentic and traditional flavours. With an intense aroma and deep flavour, it is ideal for enhancing meat dishes, marinades and canned food. Its versatility makes it a must in any kitchen. From creating vinaigrettes for salads to using it in red meat dishes, this vinegar adds a sophisticated and richly nuanced touch that will transform any recipe.

Recommended applications:

Salad vinaigrettes
Meat and vegetable marinades
Sauces and reductions

Chardonnay balsamic vinegar

On the other hand, Chardonnay vinegar, made with white wine of the Chardonnay variety, stands out for its fruity and subtle aroma, perfect for seafood dishes, fish and salads. With a smooth texture and a sweet touch, it offers a perfect balance of acidity, making it a very versatile vinegar for white vinegar lovers.

Recommended uses:

Marinated anchovies
Vinaigrettes for salads
Thin sauces for fish and seafood

Badia Vinagres remains faithful to its values of craftsmanship and local production. Each vinegar is made with the best raw materials, following processes that combine tradition with the most advanced technology. The care and dedication we put into each stage of the process ensures that each bottle is a unique experience, keeping alive a centuries-old heritage while constantly innovating.

Find out about our new products and let yourself be surprised by the sophistication and versatility of these vinegars that will make any dish shine.

Small sizes, big flavours: This summer, take our vinegars with you wherever you go with our travel sizes

Summer is synonymous with travel, beach getaways, camping holidays and visits to family and friends. And what better way to enrich your summer dining experiences than with our vinegars and bittersweets from the Gardeny range in 40 ml and 100 ml travel sizes?

Quality vinegars in pocket size

The Gardeny range stands apart for being an innovative selection with the ability to surprise the most demanding palates with unique and exciting flavours that take us to a wide world of culinary possibilities. With our travel sizes, you can take this culinary gem with you anywhere, and our miniature vinegars and bittersweets are ideal for adding a special touch to your summer meals, whether you’re enjoying a picnic on the beach, preparing dinner at a campsite or having a barbecue with friends.

These glass bottles are easy to carry in your handbag or backpack, and their compact size makes them ideal for hassle-free air travel. So, it doesn’t matter if you travel to a distant place to visit family or friends, you will always have the exceptional taste of Gardeny vinegars at hand to provide a touch of sophistication to your dishes, or to give as a gift with the Lleida stamp.

The vinegars in the Gardeny range are available in 40 ml tasting size, and you can choose the ones you like best. We also offer a case with a varied selection of five mini vinegars, a novelty that we are introducing this summer. On the other hand, you can find the bittersweets in 100 ml size that you can purchase separately or in a case that includes the four varieties: Port, Merlot, Riesling and with honey.

If you want to give someone a special gift, you can find batches like Bellpuig, Vila-sana, Ivars d’Urgell or Palau d’Anglesola. These are presented in a hand-stamped wooden or cardboard box with an original and delicate design.

Our miniatures are perfect for adapting to summer activities, as well as for providing a nice touch or making a good gift. This summer, don’t give up on the quality and innovation of Gardeny vinegars, even when you travel! Enjoy the summer with Badia Vinagres and let yourself be seduced by the sophistication in every drop.

Apple vinegar and cider vinegar: Are they the same product?

Recently, a customer asked us an interesting question: “Are apple vinegar and cider vinegar the same?” and we thought it would be helpful to clarify this concept for all of our followers. So, we explain it to you in this blog.

To begin with, it has to be said; yes, apple vinegar and cider vinegar are the same thing. The confusion often comes from the production process. To make apple cider vinegar, firstly, the apple juice must go through an alcoholic fermentation process to become cider. Afterwards, this cider must go through a second fermentation process, this time acetic, to become apple cider vinegar. In short, vinegar cannot be made directly from apple juice, it must first become cider.

At Badia Vinegars, we offer two types of apple cider vinegar: apple cider balsamic vinegar and unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar with the mother. Both have 5 degrees of acidity and are made with apples from Lleida, but each has particular characteristics and uses.

Apple Cider Balsamic Vinegar

Apple cider balsamic vinegar is made with the juice of apples picked at just the right point of ripeness.

This vinegar has a milder acidity than wine, with very balanced sweet notes. In addition, it contains concentrated apple juice, which gives it a sweeter, milder and more culinary flavour.

This vinegar, which is part of our Gardeny range, is perfect for cooking and providing a differentiating touch to our salads and dishes.

Organic apple cider vinegar with mothers

On the other hand, organic apple cider vinegar with mothers is unfiltered and unpasteurised vinegar, so it contains the mother of vinegar and does not contain gluten or sulphites. This vinegar has a dry, fresh and traditional flavour, a clear reflection of what our Badia product range is all about.

It retains all of the beneficial properties of apple cider vinegar, such as promoting good digestion, its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, helps us regulate blood sugar levels and improves our cardiovascular health, among other things. This vinegar is ideal for those looking for a natural and 100% organic option.

In summary, although apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar are the same, at Badia Vinegars we offer varieties that suit different culinary needs and tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet, smooth twist to your recipes with our apple cider balsamic vinegar, or prefer a healthier, more traditional option with our organic apple cider vinegar with mothers, we’ve got the perfect solution!

The new era of the Badia range

Without a doubt, the most enriching experiences in life are those that connect us with our roots and traditions. And here at Badia Vinagres we do it through flavours that last over time.

Five generations and more than 100 years of artisanal vinegar production, in constant evolution, have left an indelible mark on our family heritage. And this has resulted in a great entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

Each of our vinegars is the result of this family legacy, which has evolved through experience, passion and innovation. And it is through this constant evolution that today we have presented the news about our most traditional range: the Badia range.

We have designed some new labels, lending them a more modern touch which perfectly reflect our commitment to adapting to new times, but without losing the essence of our tradition.

What’s more, we have added a new product to the Badia line: organic white wine vinegar. Until now, the range was made up of organic red wine vinegar – the traditional one – and organic apple cider vinegar from Lleida, unfiltered and with mothers.

White wine vinegar is a fresher, more elegant variant of traditional vinegar. It is produced from the fermentation of white wine, from the Chardonnay grape variety. This fermentation process converts the alcohol in wine into acetic acid, resulting in a vinegar with a distinctive flavour profile.

This vinegar has a light, bright colour, with a soft and fresh aroma. Its flavour is delicate and slightly acidic; and unlike Cabernet Sauvignon red wine vinegar, which can have a more intense and robust note, white wine vinegar is smoother and more balanced.

It is ideal for salads, marinades, sauces and seasonings in which it is wished to accentuate the flavour. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it a highly appreciated ingredient by chefs and cooking enthusiasts, who can use it to lend a touch of sophistication to their dishes. In addition, white wine vinegar can also be used to marinate foods such as meat and fish, or even as an ingredient in refreshing drinks and cocktails.

In summary, the renewal of the Badia range of Badia Vinagres is much more than a simple update. It is a testament to our commitment to quality, tradition and innovation. Each vinegar are an expression of our territory and our dedication to offering you the best.

We invite you to embark on this journey of flavours in which each drop connects us with more than one hundred years of artisanal experience.

Badia and Gardeny: two brands, one family

Five generations of Badia Vinagres have given their all. We have been making artisanal vinegars for more than a hundred years and we make every endeavour to offer you the most traditional flavours with a unique seal of authenticity.

In recent years, thanks to our experience, passion and innovation, we have included new flavours that define us perfectly. The most traditional vinegars, such as apple vinegar or traditional wine vinegar, bear our Badia seal, and the most innovative vinegars and bittersweets are part of our range Gardeny. They are two different concepts, but they have been created at the same factory.

Our line of Badia vinegars is like a journey towards our roots and traditions. Every drop of these vinegars connects us with more than one hundred years of artisanal experience. Badia vinegars are an expression of our territory and our dedication to offering you the best. The Badia range, made up of the most traditional flavoured vinegars, such as traditional organic wine vinegar and organic apple cider vinegar, enriches our more everyday preparations.

On the other hand, the Gardeny family of vinegars is a universe of discovery and culinary innovation. It is made up of a wide range of vinegars and bittersweets with surprising flavours that whisk us away to a world of infinite gastronomic possibilities. These vinegars are designed for the most demanding palates and the most creative cuisines, offering a unique, exciting experience. It is the perfect choice for experimenting with new combinations and flavours. At present, the Gardeny range is made up of more than a dozen balsamic vinegars and bittersweets which won’t leave you unmoved.

As we have already explained to you in previous publications on our blog, when we talk about balsamic vinegar we are referring to a very delicate product with a subtle sweetness that only contains two ingredients: wine and grape must. It is the preferred choice for those palates looking for a touch less acidity. On the other hand, bittersweets are food condiments with an acidity below 6%, which means that they cannot be called vinegars, technically, but they fulfil the same function. They are designed for those people who are not lovers of overly acidic flavours, but who want to give a surprising touch to their dishes.

Whether you opt for the tradition and authenticity of Badia vinegars or the daring and innovation of Gardeny vinegars, experiment and be seduced by the sophistication of our products.

History and uses of vinegar throughout the millennia

The history of vinegar is fascinating and takes us on a long journey through time, from preserved foods in ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary culinary delights such as romesco sauce.

Its origin goes back millennia: the first references date back to 5,000 BCE, when the first alcoholic beverages appeared, including the first drinking vinegars. We can find several references throughout the centuries: for example, in Ancient Greece the mixture of water, honey and vinegar was common and known as oxycrat, while in Rome the popular drink posca, the same condiment mixed with water, was considered a source of strength. It was in Mesopotamia however, around 2,400 BCE, that vinegar became an essential means of preserving food, allowing it to remain fresh for long periods of time. This innovation gave rise to pickles and pickling, a technique still used today to preserve vegetables, meat and fish.

Over time, vinegar became a fundamental culinary ingredient. In the 2nd century CE, its use as a sauce or condiment spread and became a key element in advanced gastronomy to add balance, clean fats or provide acidity and freshness. Adding it to dishes such as salads – together with oil and salt – made it an indispensable ingredient in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.

Its original recipe includes ingredients that were abundant in the region, such as almonds, olive oil, tomato, nyora – a variety of dried pepper -, garlic and, of course, vinegar. Over time, romesco sauce has become a key ingredient in Catalan cuisine and is used to accompany a wide range of dishes, from traditional calçots, fish and seafood to grilled meats, vegetables or toasted bread. Its popularity has grown so much that today it is one of the most recognised and loved sauces in Mediterranean cuisine.

Our Badia vinegars are the perfect complement to traditional sauces such as romesco, mayonnaise or aioli.

Vinegar and its multiple uses have accompanied humanity for millennia: let’s appreciate its versatility and richness!

Similarities and differences between ‘balsamic’ ans ‘Modena’ vinegars

Today’s post is dedicated to a true jewel from our region, with a special focus on the vinegars of our Gardeny brand. But first, we need to give you some context.

After many years in the vinegar industry, in which we have listened and spoken to many people from a plethora of backgrounds, we have found that the terms ‘balsamic’ and ‘Modena’ create a certain amount of confusion. We’ve also found that many people opt for Modena vinegar when they’re really looking for a milder vinegar with sweet notes. This post seeks to explain the differences between balsamic and Modena vinegars and highlight the richness and uniqueness of our balsamic varieties, which are true treasures that hold their own against the finest Italian Modena vinegars.

Modena vinegar (aceto balsamico di Modena, in Italian) is a type of balsamic vinegar that is mainly produced in the Italian province of Modena in Emilia-Romagna. It is known for its quality and richness of flavour.

Balsamic vinegar is a true delicacy that only contains two ingredients: wine and grape must. It contains at least 150 grams of sugar from the same grape per litre, giving it a subtle and incomparable sweetness and making it the preferred choice for those looking for a slightly less acidic vinegar.

Badia Vinagres produces a wide range of balsamic vinegars under our Gardeny label, including apple balsamic vinegar, cava balsamic vinegar, Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar, vermouth balsamic vinegar and muscatel balsamic vinegar. We like to refer to the latter as “our local Modena vinegar”. In fact, it could best be described as its first cousin, but made with one of the finest treasures found in our region: the Muscatel grape.

Our apple balsamic vinegar is a refreshing burst of flavour made from the juice of locally sourced apples harvested at their optimum level of ripeness. It has a milder acidity than wine vinegar with very balanced sweet notes.

Cava vinegar is a culinary delicacy that is based on the sparkling wine of the same name. Rooted in a rich Catalan wine culture, this vinegar is a versatile option due to its exceptional character and mild acidic notes.

Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar is a true artisanal masterpiece based on ripened grape must. Its uniqueness lies in the meticulous process of obtaining the must from these grapes, which begins with careful manual harvesting. The grapes are spread out on a mesh and left to dry in the sun for several days, ensuring uniform drying. The must is then obtained through a delicate pressing process that produces a wonderful vinegar that is very similar to the Modena variety and a true marvel for lovers of gourmet gastronomy.

Vermouth vinegar is a tribute to the Catalan tradition of drinking vermouth with aperitifs. It is produced by following the traditional methods of the Italian Alps, with a combination of herbs and spices that lend a special character to vermouth wine. It is a highly original vinegar bursting with unique notes.

As we touched on before, Muscatel balsamic vinegar is one of the great treasures of our region and that which best resembles the Modena variety. The Badia Vinagres variety is based on the finest muscatel must and wine. Its exceptional balance, freshness and subtle character make this a memorable culinary experience for all who try it.

If you’re looking for vinegars of lower acidity, you could also consider our bittersweet range. In one of our previous blog posts, we explained that these products differ from vinegar in that they have less than 6% acidity. We at Badia Vinagres produce four different bittersweets: port bittersweet, merlot bittersweet, riesling bittersweet and orange tree honey bittersweet.

In short, while we appreciate the fame and quality of Modena vinegar, we also value the products that flourish in our region and remind us that our own culinary heritage is also worth cherishing.

Health and vinegar!

Vinegar is a condiment that has been appreciated and used for centuries around the world. We are proud to bring this tradition to your table. But did you know that there is much more to vinegar than its delicious flavour and versatility in the kitchen? It can also provide us with significant health benefits.

In our quest to explore the expert-endorsed health benefits of vinegar, we came across some fascinating articles which formed the basis for the following.

Benefit 1: Blood glucose monitoring

One of the most remarkable benefits of vinegar was found in the study Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect, by researchers Carol S. Johnston and Cindy A. Gaas from the Department of Nutrition at the University of Arizona. They highlight the ability of vinegar to help control blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels after meals. This study is particularly relevant for people with type 2 diabetes or those looking to keep their sugar levels stable.

Benefit 2: Promotes weight control

The research mentioned in the article “Funcional Propierties of Vinegar” published by several researchers in the Journal of Food Science points out that vinegar can help increase feelings of satiety, which also reduces total caloric intake. In addition, it can help reduce the accumulation of fat in the body. It should be remembered, however, that it should not be replaced by a healthy and balanced diet.

Benefit 3: Improves digestion

In the same article we mentioned above, experts mention that vinegar can stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which facilitates the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. This can relieve digestive problems such as indigestion or acid reflux.

Benefit 4: Regulates cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health

In our quest to explore the health benefits of vinegar, we couldn’t have overlooked a study titled Effects of grape wine and apple cider vinegar on oxidative and antioxidative status in high cholesterol-fed rats. The study reveals that apple cider vinegar has the potential to improve blood lipid levels. In particular, a decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed, which is promising in the context of cardiovascular disease prevention. A healthier lipid profile is essential to keep your arteries cleaner.

Benefit 5: Antioxidant protection

All studies have in common the antioxidant potential of apple cider vinegar. They point out that it can help fight oxidative stress, a process that can contribute to premature ageing and heart-related diseases. The antioxidants present in vinegar help neutralise harmful free radicals, thus protecting the body’s cells and tissues.

Benefit 6: Improves cognitive function

Finally, we want to highlight the study Continuous Ingestion of Acetic Acid Bacteria: Effect on Cognitive Function in Healthy Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons.It presents a fascinating perspective on how regular consumption of vinegar, especially vinegar containing acetic acid bacteria, could be linked to improvements in cognitive function and brain health. This discovery is highly relevant in a world where ageing and concerns about brain health are increasingly common. During the study the researchers observed improvements in the memory, attention and cognitive function of their participants. Ultimately, vinegar, specifically that which contains acetic acid bacteria, could play a role in supporting long-term brain health and could be crucial in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

How do you incorporate vinegar into your diet?

Now that we’ve told you some of the research-backed benefits of vinegar, let’s talk about some simple ways to incorporate vinegar into your diet.

As a condiment in salads: use vinegar as a base for your home-made dressings, mix them with olive oil and, if you like, give it a twist with added fresh herbs. Enjoy the benefits of vinegar with fresh and healthy dishes.

Vinegar drink: mix a spoonful of vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals. It will help you improve your digestion, control your appetite and improve your cardiovascular health.

Sauce for marinades: adding vinegar to marinades and sauces enhances the flavour of meats, fish and vegetables. Also, vinegar makes food more tender.

While these findings are promising, it’s important to remember that moderation and a balanced diet remain critical to maintaining good health throughout life.

Health and vinegar!