News Archivos – Badia Vinegars

‘Cuina Amiga. Fogons solidaris’: a book to read, gift, and share values

This April, to celebrate Sant Jordi (St. George), we want to recommend a book that’s not only read it’s lived and shared: **‘Cuina Amiga. Fogons solidaris‘** (Friendly Kitchen. Solidarity stoves), written by journalist and sommelier Rafa Gimena, published by Como Pomona and designed by Latipo Estudi.

This is a very special project that tells the story of the Cuina Amiga collective a group of chefs from Lleida who, for the past four years, have taken turns cooking every Sunday at El Menjador, a community dining space managed by the Jericó Foundation and the Food Bank of the Lleida Counties.

The 148-page book, featuring photographs by Javier Martín, is dedicated to young chef Pere Castaño and combines a chronicle of the birth of this solidarity initiative with a heartfelt portrait of 25 culinary professionals involved, along with a recipe section showcasing their dishes.

100% of the book’s sales go directly to supporting the El Menjador project, thanks to the contribution of local organizations and food producers who made its publication possible. At Badia Vinagres, we’re proud to have contributed our small grain of sand to this project, which reflects values we deeply believe in: solidarity, community, and a shared culture of food.

This Sant Jordi, we encourage you to gift or treat yourself to Cuina Amiga. Fogons solidaris: a book about food, people, and commitment. A delicious way to support a cause that matters.

You can find the book in our online store and at our vinagreria, located at c. Palau 9, Mollerussa.

Thanks to Como Pomona, to all the chefs in the Cuina Amiga collective, and to the organizations that have made this beautiful and necessary initiative possible. We are truly moved to be part of it.

Vinegar, a World to Discover

When we talk about vinegar, we often think of the classic wine or apple types, the most common ones in our kitchens. But vinegar is much more than a simple ingredient — it’s the result of a meticulous process that begins with the selection of the finest wine. At Badia Vinagres, we don’t settle for standard raw materials; we work exclusively with high-quality organic wines, which allow us to produce vinegars with a unique personality and flavor nuances that truly stand out.

The Importance of Grape Variety

Each grape variety brings its own specific organoleptic characteristics, which are reflected in the final vinegar. This is why selecting the wines we work with is key to creating vinegars with identity, complexity, and a depth of flavor that goes far beyond acidity.

At Badia Vinagres, we choose grape varieties that offer an aromatic profile, structure, and fruity or floral nuances, making each vinegar unique and ideal for a wide range of culinary uses. Some of our signature varieties include:

Merlot Agridulce (Sweet and Sour Vinegar): A vinegar with great aromatic intensity, perfect for dressings that elevate salads to the next level.
Cabernet Sauvignon Balsamic Vinegar: Smooth tannins with a sweet touch, ideal for meat dishes or sophisticated reductions.
Riesling Agridulce: A silky and vibrant variety that adds an elegant and delicate touch to tropical fruit salads.
Pedro Ximénez Balsamic Vinegar: Naturally balanced sweetness with a unique balsamic note, perfect for sauces and mayonnaise.
Muscatel Balsamic Vinegar: Very aromatic and floral, offering great versatility in the kitchen.

Each vinegar is unique and distinct, so we invite you to discover them all and experiment with their many culinary applications.

The market offers many types of vinegar, but not all of them are made from selected, quality wines. Many producers opt for more affordable, standard raw materials, resulting in vinegars that are acidic but lack depth. At Badia Vinagres, each vinegar captures the essence of the wine it comes from, providing a richness of flavor that makes it truly one-of-a-kind.

This specialization allows us to offer a gastronomic and innovative range that takes vinegar to a whole new level — as in the case of our Gardeny range. These products are designed for sophisticated dishes, creative combinations, and even applications in mixology.

The Culture of Vinegar

Catalonia is producing some truly exceptional vinegars. More and more producers are innovating, creating high-quality products and contributing to the growing vinegar culture. This excites us because it means that consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of choosing a good vinegar, just as they do with good olive oil or wine. We must continue to support and promote this sector!

These lines are an invitation to discover, experiment, and enjoy vinegar like never before. Discover the pleasure of cooking with high-quality 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.