Would you like to have your cake and eat it too? By adding an authentic "traditional balsamic vinegar" to any meal you get to eat healthy and decadently delicious at the same time.

Balsamic Vinegar was a well-kept secret in the Mediterranean until recent years. Unlike the typical balsamic vinegars found in America that are made from wine, true Traditional Balsamic Vinegar begins as the juice of the Trebbiano grape. In small towns in the Modena and Reggio Emilia areas of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, families have been perfecting the production process of traditional balsamic vinegar for over 1000 years.

Ask The Expert! Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars: History, Health Benefits and Sampling
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
6:30 to 8 pm

Seton Diabetes Education Center
5555 N. Lamar
Bldg. D, Ste 125
Austin, TX 78705

Register

The grapes are typically harvested late in the season, and the juice is simmered to concentrate the juice before it is poured into vented kegs, where airborne yeast ferment the natural sugars in the grape juice to alcohol. Bacteria then convert the alcohol to acetic acid (vinegar). The complex flavors change as the product is aged for at least twelve years, though some traditional balsamic vinegars are aged for over 100 years

Balsamic vinegar retains all the minerals, antioxidants and flavor components of the grape juice. Because grapes are low sodium and low fat, the balsamic vinegar is also low in sodium and fat content, with typically only 2-4 Calories per tablespoon--carbohydrate is the calorie source. Balsamic vinegar contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese, because these minerals are present in the grapes and concentrated by the production process. Balsamic vinegar also retains the polyphenols (known for cancer fighting health benefits) and quercetin, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. The complex flavors of different balsamic vinegars result from the interaction of the wood containers with the juice, alcohol, flavor components of the grapes, and acetic acid over time. Families guard their balsamic vinegar production secrets closely…..cherry wood or oak wood can significantly change the taste of the final product. Aging also plays an important role in developing a desired flavor complexion--vinegars are bitter in the early years but the flavor is smoother with aging.

Balsamic vinegar adds a unique and complex flavor to salad greens when paired with a complementary oil, to marinades for meats and seafood. Balsamic vinegar can be infused during the aging process with other fruits or flavor components. These products can be reduced to further concentrate flavors for sauces.

Balsamic vinegar can be a flavor powerhouse. For persons with diabetes, the low pH helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates eaten at the same meal. One small study demonstrated that 2 Tbsp vinegar did lower the post-meal blood glucose in 10 subjects Balsamic vinegar is a healthy addition to the diet for persons with diabetes or heart disease, as well as persons trying to lose weight.

If you would like to learn more about balsamic vinegar and olive oil as part of a healthy diet, please join Seton Diabetes Education Center on June 1 to hear Jeff Conarko speak on the fine art of incorporating balsamic vinegar and olive oil into a healthy diet. Product sampling will be part of the presentation. Jeff Conarko imports balsamic vinegars and olive oils to his store here in Austin. Registration for this exciting event is open online, or call (512) 324-1891 for more information.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork chops
• 1/2 cup Con' Olio Manzanillo EVOO
• 1/4 cup Con' Olio Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
• Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Mix balsamic, olive oil & salt and pepper in a glass bowl and pour in over chops, seal in a Ziploc and refrigerate for two hours. Grill over medium heat for five minutes a side.

Unlike many other orange vegetables rich in beta-carotene, carrots are versatile in both their raw and cooked states. I grate raw carrots and use them in salads, cakes and breads. You can cook carrots quickly in a stir-fry, simmer them for soup, or give them a long roast in the oven. (Roasting will intensify their sweetness, while simmering will yield a delicious broth.)

Sometimes the texture of carrots is as important to a dish as their flavor — they really can bulk up a sauce or stew. And if you’re stumped trying to get more vegetables into your kids’ diets, carrots may be the answer, as most children like them raw or cooked.

Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup With Mint or Tarragon

This easy, beautiful purée makes a nice Thanksgiving opener, with the added benefit of extra doses of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. If you’re looking to get ahead with your meal, you can make this dish up to two days ahead of the big day.

1 tablespoon canola oil or unsalted butter

2 medium shallots, chopped

1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and diced

1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

6 cups water, chicken stock or vegetable stock

2 sprigs tarragon

A 1-inch piece of orange zest

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon minced fresh mint or tarragon

1. Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallots. Cook, stirring, until tender, three to five minutes. Add carrots. Cook, stirring often, for five minutes until they begin to soften. Add the sweet potatoes, water or stock, tarragon sprigs and orange zest, and bring to a simmer. Add salt to taste, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes or until all of the ingredients are thoroughly tender. Remove the orange zest, and discard.

2. Purée the soup in batches in a blender, removing the stopper from the top and holding a kitchen towel tightly over the top to avoid splashing, or in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Return to the pot, heat through, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the mint or tarragon, and serve.

Yield: Serves four to six.

Advance preparation: This will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator.

Nutritional information per serving (four servings): 204 calories; 4 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 40 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 192 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 4 grams protein.

Nutritional information per serving (six servings): 136 calories; 3 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams cholesterol; 27 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 128 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 2 grams protein

Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com. Her latest book, "The Very Best of Recipes for Health," was published recently by Rodale Books.

Herbs and spices are natural products made from leaves, roots, flowers and seeds of plants. They have been used to preserve foods and add flavor and medicinal qualities. Many herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins and molecules that may help protect brain cells from aging and damage caused by toxins.
GARLIC
-Garlic can protect neurons from cell death.
-Garlic promotes the growth of neurons.
-Garlic increases the ability of learning and memory.
-Garlic lowers the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
-Garlic Boosts antioxidants.
-Garlic inhibits inflammation.
-Garlic lowers cholesterol and platelet aggregation.
-Garlic lowers blood pressure.
-Garlic prevents brain damage associated with stroke.

ROSEMARY
-Rosemary contains a powerful antioxidant carnosic acid protects brain cells from oxidative stress and promote the dilation of the cerebral arteries.
-Rosemary can reduce blood glucose and increase serum levels of insulin in diabetic animals.
-Odor Rosemary reduces pulse rates and levels of anxiety.
-Perfume Rosemary can help improve memory performance.

SAGE
-Sage can help protect against some of the harmful effects on brain cells of beta-amyloid toxic.
-Sage appears to alleviate some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, improve communication between the various regions of the brain.
-Sage is a powerful source of antioxidants.
-Sage helps fight inflammation.
-Sage is thought to have anti-anxiety effects.