Abstract
The present study reports the chemical characterization of commercial balsamic vinegar glaze (BVG), a side product of the world-famous Aceto Balsamico di Modena (ABM). BVG, originally a homemade sweet and sour sauce, is now produced on an industrial scale and is gaining a growing success. The determination of total titratable acidity, dry matter, ash, metals, sugars, phenolic acids and furfurals is reported for BVG samples of different batches and years of production. Principal component analysis (PCA) and ANOVA test were applied to evaluate the experimental data. The results showed that the chemical characteristics of the product are almost unchanged in the investigated years and well reflect the characteristics of the ABM. Moreover, it was found that potentially harmful species, namely furfural compounds and heavy metals, were at a lower concentration than that of homologous products. In particular, the concentration of heavy metals, such as Cu, Zn and Pb, suggests that a preventive demetallization of the BVG starting raw materials occurs.
Highlights
Nowadays, consumers are increasingly demanding and selective, especially in the food field
The present study reports the chemical characterization of commercial balsamic vinegar glaze (BVG), a side product of the world-famous Aceto Balsamico di Modena (ABM)
The presence of the two monosaccharides is due to both the concentrated grape must, that typically contains about 700 g/kg of sugars, and the ABM, where reducing sugars concentration must not be less than 110 g/L (Regulation (EC) No 583, 2009)
Summary
Consumers are increasingly demanding and selective, especially in the food field. In addition to the organoleptic qualities, ingredients, health and safety features, a link with a specific territory contributes to adding value to the food product. In this last context, since 1992 the European Union has protected high-quality agricultural products based on their geographical origin (Regulation (EU) No 1151, 2012). Since 1992 the European Union has protected high-quality agricultural products based on their geographical origin (Regulation (EU) No 1151, 2012) This protection is recognized through the introduction of quality marks, namely the protected designation of origin, PDO, the protected geographical origin, PGI, and the traditional specialties guarantee, TSG, aimed at avoiding fraud and damage to the consumers and producers as well. The promotion of food with specific characteristics, the improvement of the income of farmers with a better-quality vocation and the promotion of traditional processes through innovations are the foundations of the European approach to increase health, safety and overall quality of food products
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
