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SMART SHOPPING: Balsamic Vinegar

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We were curious about the differences among the various brands of balsamic vinegar found at the supermarket, so we bought a bunch of them (ranging from $5 to $20) and pitted them against one another in a taste test. Right off the bat, we found that the sweetness and viscosity of the vinegars make a difference. A good balsamic vinegar must be sweet and thick, but it should also offer a bit of acidity. In the end, one supermarket vinegar–Lucini Gran Riserva Balsamico–impressed us with its nice balance of sweet and tangy.