How to Make Balsamic Vinegar Pearls

What are Balsamic Vinegar Pearls?

While they may look like caviar, balsamic pearls are small spheres of tangy sweet balsamic that accent a range of gourmet dishes. You may have seen these pearls in restaurants gracing Caprese salads, desserts, even cocktails.

We all know that balsamic vinegar can accent so many recipes, but some dishes don't benefit as much from a dispersed splash of the vinegar. Enter, balsamic pearls. By concentrating the acidity and sweetness of a balsamic vinegar into a small pearl you get an aesthetically unique addition that localizes the flavour. Fortunately, these tantalizing pearls aren't just reserved for high-end restaurants; they are easy to make at home, too! Check out our recipe video here.

How to Make Balsamic Vinegar Pearls

Balsamic pearls are made around the premise of oil and vinegar not mixing together when combined. A heated mixture of balsamic vinegar and agar powder (a thickener) is slowly dropped into cold olive oil so small beads form and set within the oil. They are easy to extract to then use in any culinary application, and the oil can still be used as well. 

We love showcasing balsamic pearls in a simple Caprese salad, as they pop so beautifully against the red and white and provide the perfect zest to every bite! Go classic with our Traditional 18 Year Dark Balsamic Vinegar, or mix it up with Neapolitan Herb Dark Balsamic. Even a white balsamic like the Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic can make unique balsamic pearls!