News Archivos – Badia Vinegars

Vinegar: Your Best Ally in the Kitchen

Did you know that vinegar can balance and enhance the flavors of your dishes? Today, we’re sharing some practical ways to give it a starring role in your cooking and achieve amazing results.

Enhance Sweet Flavors

The acidity of vinegar contrasts with the sweetness of ingredients like fruits and desserts, creating a perfect balance. Let’s start with some delicious sweet pairings you’ll love!

Strawberries with vinegar. The acidity enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness. At Badia Vinagres, we have the perfect option to pair with them: Merlot Gardeny sweet and sour vinegar. Here’s a link to the recipe in case you want to try a healthier version of the classic strawberries and cream.
Pineapple with vinegar. If you love pineapple, try it with Riesling Gardeny sweet and sour vinegar—it’s an ideal pairing!
Orange with vinegar. Since it’s still orange season, we suggest a delightful dessert: sliced orange with a few drops of sweet and sour vinegar with orange blossom honey Gardeny.

Enhance Savory Flavors

In savory dishes, a few drops of vinegar can intensify flavors without adding extra salt. Take note of these ideas—they’ll surprise you and elevate the taste of your favorite traditional dishes!

Lentils with vinegar. Just before serving, add a tablespoon of organic Cabernet wine vinegar from Badia and mix well. Its acidity will enhance the flavor without the need for extra salt.
Beef stew with vinegar. Five minutes before serving, add a touch of Cabernet Gardeny balsamic wine vinegar. This final touch will balance the flavors and enhance the intensity of the dish.
Scrambled eggs with spinach and vinegar. Add a few drops of Pedro Ximénez Gardeny balsamic vinegar just before serving to create a fresh contrast and boost the flavor of the spinach.

Cut Through Greasy Flavors

The acidity of vinegar helps reduce the greasy sensation on the palate, making dishes lighter and more balanced. Here are some surprising ideas that won’t leave you indifferent.

Salads with Muscat balsamic vinegar. It’s perfect for dressings with rich ingredients like avocado, nuts, or cheese. Its acidity adds freshness to the dish.
Catalan-style fish and chips. Try fried sardines with a touch of cava balsamic vinegar. This delicate contrast enhances the flavor of fried fish!

With these ideas, vinegar becomes an essential ingredient in your kitchen, adding balance and surprising nuances to your dishes. Get inspired to experiment with our vinegars and discover how they can transform your culinary experience!

Vinegar, a Fermented Treasure for Your Health

At a time when natural and healthy products are gaining prominence on our tables, vinegar has established itself as an essential ingredient. Beyond its characteristic flavor, this kitchen ally is the result of an ancient process that, over the centuries, has captivated palates and contributed to well-being: fermentation. But what makes fermented foods, like vinegar, so beneficial for health and, at the same time, a growing trend?

The fermentation process: Fermentation is a biochemical process in which the sugars in a food are transformed by the action of microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria. In the case of vinegar, this journey begins with alcoholic fermentation, when the sugars are converted into alcohol, and continues with acetic fermentation, in which the alcohol is transformed into acetic acid—the essence that gives vinegar its unique flavor and character.

Although this process may seem almost magical, it is entirely natural and has been perfected over centuries to provide us with a healthy, versatile product with endless applications in cooking and beyond.

The benefits of fermented foods, including vinegar, are vast and well-recognized:

Improved digestive health: Thanks to the probiotics (microorganisms) generated during fermentation, vinegar helps balance gut microbiota, which is essential for overall well-being.
Antioxidant properties: Vinegar contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and other antioxidants that help combat free radicals.
Blood sugar regulation: Various studies have shown that moderate consumption of vinegar can help control glucose levels after meals.
Natural detoxification: Vinegar supports liver function by aiding in toxin processing and promoting better elimination of waste substances from the body.
A weight management ally: Acetic acid can promote a feeling of satiety, making vinegar a valuable addition to balanced diets.

Fermented Foods in Traditional Kitchens and Gourmet Cuisine

Fermented foods like miso, kimchi, and kombucha have transitioned from being staples in traditional cuisines to becoming true stars of modern gastronomy. In this context, vinegar holds a privileged place thanks to its great versatility: from vinaigrettes and sauces to sophisticated reductions, unique pairings with a wide variety of foods, and creative applications in mixology.

At Badia Vinagres, we have anticipated this trend, offering a range that includes classic vinegars such as white wine, red wine, and apple vinegar, as well as more innovative options like Riesling sweet and sour vinegar, orange blossom honey vinegar, or cava balsamic vinegar, among many others.

How Can You Incorporate Vinegar into Your Daily Routine?

On an empty stomach: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water is ideal for stimulating digestion and starting the day with energy.
In the kitchen: Add a touch of vinegar to your stews, sauces, or salads to enhance their flavors and elevate your recipes.
In beverages: Try original mocktails or refreshing drinks with a vinegar base, adding a fresh and sophisticated touch.

This 2025, let yourself be inspired by the richness of fermented products and celebrate health, tradition, and innovation. Discover everything the world of BADIA and GARDENY vinegars has to offer and transform your routine!

Boxes with soul: The art and tradition of Badia Vinagres Christmas batches

At Badia Vinagres, we want the essence of our craft to be reflected in every detail of our Christmas batches, right from the wrapping. That is why the boxes of our batches are also a tribute to tradition, craftsmanship and our values as a family business. In our batches section you can find everything from hand-painted cardboard boxes to wooden boxes created by the Ilersis Foundation; each piece is unique and bespoke, a reflection of our dedication.

Hand-painted boxes: art and tradition

When we say we paint our cardboard boxes by hand, we’re not just talking about a craft process, but a statement of intent. We believe that handmade things have a soul that connects with the recipient. This year, we have chosen green and red, typical of the holidays, and added snow blue, evoking the serenity and magic of this time. The print, with fir trees and deer, conveys nature, peace and the warmth of these holidays.

This patient and meticulous process allows us to give life to boxes that are authentic works of art and that speak of our way of working: with enthusiasm, love and respect for every detail.

Wooden boxes with a social value

One of the great novelties this year are the wooden boxes that we have created in collaboration with the Ilersis Foundation, a social organisation in Lleida that supports people with different abilities. These boxes incorporate the first logo of our company, designed by the founder in 1908.

This symbol is much more than a design, it represents the history and values that define us. It is a tribute to our origins and to the passion that has accompanied us for more than a century.

Our batches

Badia Vinagres batches are much more than a culinary gift; they are small pieces of history and creativity. We have named them after towns that are part of our past, such as Fondarella, Miralcamp or Puiggròs, remembering the routes taken by our ancestors on motorbikes and other classic vehicles. You can find them in our online store or at the Christmas Pop-up that will remain open until 03 January 2025 at our vinegar shop. You will find everything from small culinary gifts to exclusive gifts.

With each batch, we want to offer a complete experience that combines tradition, flavour and creativity.

Sweet and sour chocolates

Our batches would not be complete without a true culinary gem such as sweet and sour chocolates. Created in collaboration with the Uñó de Mataró patisserie, these dark chocolate bonbons filled with our sweet and sour reduction are a unique and surprising pleasure.

With four exclusive flavours – Merlot, Riesling, Port and orange blossom honey – these chocolates are ideal for the most exquisite palates and can be found both in our batches and separately in the online store or at the Christmas Pop-up.

This Christmas, let the magic of our story and the quality of our products fill your tables.

Give the gift of Badia Vinagres, give the gift of tradition and flavour.

BADIA VINAGRES CHRISTMAS BATCHES

Vinegar: a new protagonist in cocktails

No, we haven’t gone crazy. There’s an innovative way to incorporate vinegar as a key element in cocktails, and today we want to show you how. In this blog post, we’ll discover how this age-old product, already a kitchen staple, can take your drinks to the next level.

Although vinegar is known for its acidity and flavour in dishes, it can also be ideal for providing cocktails and mocktails with a distinctive touch. In case you’re not familiar with the term, a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that maintains the sophistication and creativity of a classic cocktail. What many don’t know is that vinegar can add that refreshing acidic kick that transforms your drinks, with or without alcohol.

A bold, creative and healthy gamble!

Using vinegar in cocktails may seem unusual, but it really adds a unique depth of flavour. This practice, which is gaining popularity among mixologists the world over, represents an innovative and refreshing option.

Plus, replacing sugary drinks with mocktails made with artisanal vinegars has health benefits. Vinegar contributes to good digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and provides antioxidants. Its refreshing acidity enhances the flavour of drinks without the need to add sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Reinventing the classics

At Badia Vinegars, not only have we reinvented classics like Cabernet Sauvignon balsamic vinegar and Chardonnay balsamic vinegar, but we’ve brought this innovation to cocktails, putting a new spin on two classic cocktails.

One of the cocktails we’ve reinvented is the Negroni (recipe here), an Italian benchmark famous for its balance between sweet and bitter. It’s usually made with gin, rosé vermouth and Campari, but in our version, we’ve replaced the vermouth and gin with our Cabernet Sauvignon balsamic vinegar, keeping just a subtle touch of Campari, which adds a splash of alcohol (approximately 1% of the total volume). The result is a fresher and more vibrant version, ideal for the aperitif we’ve named Vinegar Negroni.

We’ve also reinvented the classic Gin and Tonic (recipe here), giving it our particular stamp and calling it Vinegar Tonic. This version combines tonic with a touch of Chardonnay balsamic vinegar, creating a refreshing and delicately acidic drink, perfect for relaxing moments or long after-dinner relaxation. It’s a sophisticated and surprising proposal, with the freshness of the vinegar providing a relaxing effect.

With these reinterpretations, we continue to explore the possibilities of vinegar as a versatile ingredient, capable of enriching both dishes and drinks. We encourage you to discover these creations in your kitchen or cocktail bar.

We haven’t gone crazy, we’re creative!

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.

The female legacy of Badia Vinagres: Women who have preserved our family tradition

We are proud to be the fifth generation in charge of our family business which has been operating in the vinegar industry for more than a century. We are Judit and Marta, two passionate sisters who are proud of our family’s achievements and who feel a deep connection to our roots and the legacy left by previous generations.

To mark International Women’s Day, we want to express our deep admiration for the women who have formed part of our business over the years and whose roles, while not principal, were vital for the smooth operation of Badia Vinagres.

We would like to begin by talking about our mother, Ester Costa. She is an energetic woman who has devoted her body and soul to her children, her house and her own business. What’s more, she has been, and remains, a fundamental pillar for Badia Vinagres. We must also dedicate a few words to our aunt Maite, who also worked for the family business and charmed the whole town.

It warms our hearts to talk about our grandmother, Anna María Martí, who raised four children including our father, Agustí Badia. She was the family’s backbone, taking charge of the house’s upkeep and the children’s upbringing. Our great aunt Mundeta, who had to run her own business while being responsible for the housekeeping, was another key individual in this third generation of women. Our grandmother and great-aunt also devoted themselves to the family company when needed.

Our great-grandmother, Treseta Carrera, supported a family of six children. Not only did she take care of her parents until the very last moment, but she was also in charge of housekeeping and organising the family business. By looking back at previous generations, we can appreciate the importance of women in all the successful businesses whose visible face was, and still is, a man. All these women have been crucial in keeping family businesses like Badia Vinagres running. We must also highlight the role of Maria Polo in this second generation of women, who was like a second grandmother to us. Besides the housekeeping, she was also in charge of supporting and maintaining the vinegar factory.

Our great-great-grandmother Anna Vilà was a crucial figure in the creation of the business. Starting up a business as a woman and devoting yourself to both your family and company must not have been easy in the early 20^th century.

We are grateful for your dedication, your efforts and your unconditional love. You are a vital part of our history and our present, and we will always remember you fondly.

Thank you wholeheartedly. You are a source of inspiration.

Judit and Marta Badia