Here's How Long Balsamic Vinegar Lasts—and the Right Way to Store It

If you invest in good balsamic and store it properly, you can expect to use this magical ingredient for years to come.

Bridget Shirvell

Mon, January 4, 2021 at 9:14 PM UTC

4 min read

Good quality balsamic vinegar can last for years if stored properly, thanks to its self-preserving acidity.
Investing in a quality bottle of balsamic vinegar, priced at least $15, ensures a longer shelf life and better quality product.
To make balsamic vinegar last longer, store it in a cool, dark place away from strong flavors, and consider using it in a variety of dishes beyond salads and dressings.

Key Points

Balsamic vinegar can last several years if stored in a cool, dark place due to its self-preserving acidity.
High-quality balsamic vinegars like IGP or DOP certifications last longer and taste better.
Signs that vinegar has gone bad include unpleasant odor, thick sediment, or a loose cap.

Balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish, from vanilla ice cream to hearty soups. When you invest in a quality bottle and store it properly, this culinary gem can become a long-lasting staple in your kitchen. Understanding how to maintain balsamic vinegar's quality ensures it remains a secret ingredient in your culinary adventures for years.

Meet Our Expert

Michael Harlan Turkell, food writer , photographer, and author of Acid Trip: Travels in the World of Vinegar

How Long Does Balsamic Vinegar Last?

While it would be hard to prove balsamic vinegar can last forever, a good bottle will last quite some time, assuming it's made and stored properly. The acidity of vinegar actually makes it self-preserving, which is why many bottles of balsamic vinegar get better with age. According to Michael Harlan Turkell, author of Acid Trip: Travels in the World of Vinegar , in the 19th century, mothers in Italy's Emilia Romagna region started to make balsamic when a daughter was born. That way, by the time the daughter got married, the balsamic was well-aged.

Most commercially available balsamic vinegar should be consumed within three to five years after opening. The vinegars are still safe to consume after five years (self-preserving, remember), but the quality won't be the same.

*Courtesy of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortium*

Buy the Best Because It Lasts

How can you know if you're buying a good bottle that will last? When it comes to balsamic, the old saying is true: You get what you pay for. Expect to pay at least $15 per bottle. Look for IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta), which is aged at least 60 days, or for Traditional DOP (Tradizionale Denominazione di Origine Protetta), which is aged at least 12 years and consequently costs more.

Tips

When purchasing balsamic vinegar, read the ingredient list carefully to ensure it's not cut with syrups or other ingredients that could reduce its shelf life and affect its quality. Choose vinegars with only grape must or wine vinegar for a purer taste and longer preservation.

How to Store Balsamic Vinegar

If you've been storing balsamic vinegar in the cupboard above your stove or oven (or on the counter near the stove), it's time to move it. For the best-tasting balsamic vinegar that will last for the longest period of time, store it in a cool, dark place and away from strong flavors. If you're mainly using it to make salads and prefer chilled ingredients for your dressing, you can go ahead and store it in the refrigerator—but it doesn't require refrigeration.

How to Tell If Balsamic Vinegar Has Gone Bad

Though balsamic vinegar is self-preserving and can last for years, there are times when it should be discarded. Changes in taste, texture, or appearance are often signs it's no longer at its best. Keep an eye out for the following:

Cloudiness:A cloudy appearance isn't unusual, but if it's paired with an unpleasant odor, it's time to toss it.
Sediment:Some natural sediment is normal, but a thick layer at the bottom of the bottle could mean the vinegar has deteriorated.
Loose or missing cap:Extended exposure to air, heat, or light—often from an unsecured cap—can degrade the vinegar's flavor and quality.

Ways to Use Balsamic Vinegar

As delicious as balsamic vinegar is drizzled over grilled or roasted meats or on a cheese plate or salad, there are so many other ways to use it, too. In fact, with all the dishes and drinks you can add balsamic vinegar to, it seems impossible anyone would be able to hold on to a bottle for a year, let alone three to five years.

Try these balsamic mushrooms as an easy side dish.
Make this orange and balsamic chicken for a quick, delicious weeknight meal.
Balsamic works so well in sweet-tart combinations like this balsamic-fig sauce , which goes with chicken or pork or could be a mainstay of your cheese board.
Explore the power of balsamic for dessert: try a little in the poaching liquid for pears—and do try a drizzle over vanilla ice cream.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart