A bleak time in balsamico’s history
Then came a period of obscurity for aceto balsamico.
At this time, not only had people across the globe forgotten all about aceto balsamico it even eluded most Italians. The few who knew carried on the tradition in a very secretive manner. Its existence was limited to the small towns of Modena and Reggio in Italy. Here producing balsamico almost became a form of art and traditions came to be associated with it. It acquired symbolic significance as fresh barrels were added to the stocks of the family at the birth of child and given away at their weddings.
Families cherished their reserves with pride and passed it on as heirlooms. It was a treasured gift and was presented by the families to close friends and associates, visiting dignitaries and doctors. The barrels of balsamico were stacked in the attics away from the buzz of daily life and there over the years it slowly matured–the various flavors of the juice blending with the flavor of the wood to produce a unique taste. Consequently balsamic vinegar came to be considered as a symbol of peace.
balsamic barrels
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