Most Americans love the exotic flavor of balsamic vinegar. They use it on their fish, salad, meat, and a whole lot of other things, too. This has led to a significant rise in the demand for it, as people increasingly search for the best balsamic vinegar.

Grocery stores are now flooded with different varieties of balsamic vinegar, some of which are not authentic. While you love the vinegar, you still shouldn’t go out and buy just any product that is labeled as such. While balsamic vinegar is indeed one of the biggest food trends in the last three decades, the increase in demand has not been kind to the production lines developing authentic, aged balsamic vinegar.

That’s why we’ve created tips to know before you buy a bottle of aged balsamic vinegar online or at a local store.

History. A little over three decades ago, nobody in America knew much about balsamic vinegar—a local specialty of Reggio Emilia and Modena provinces in Italy. If you are looking for a true balsamic vinegar, it can only come from these two place and has to comply with certain guidelines. One of these guidelines is that it should be aged for 12 years or more in wood barrels before it is sold.

Consistency. The best balsamic vinegar coming from one of the Italian provinces mentioned above is unlike what can be found elsewhere. It has a rich complexity and a dark syrupy consistency. And aged balsamic vinegar can be used to enhance the flavors of salads, meat, dessert, cheese, and more food items.

Variety. You will find balsamic vinegar available in several varieties at different price points. Choosing the best balsamic vinegar from this wide selection can become a tricky task to work out. You should be aware of the different types of balsamics available on the market, how to spot a quality balsamic bottle, and how to pair balsamics with foods.

While other varieties exists—like apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, wine vinegar, and rice vinegar—balsamic vinegar stands tall above all of them. You won’t find a vinegar that has a richer history, and that attracts more acclaim and enthusiasm from experts and users alike. It is a part of the Italian folklore, and it continues to please the taste buds of people all around the world.

Author’s Bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about best balsamic vinegar.