Q. Why are we different to other Balsamic Glazes?
A.We start with 100% Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy, slow cook it for about 12 hours and we reduce it in volume by 50%. Unlike other Balsamic Glazes we do not use any thickeners, artificial flavours or colours.
Q. What do you use Balsamic Glazes for?
A. Balsamic Glazes are referred to as finishing sauces, you can drizzle them on grilled meat, burgers, wings, salads or pizzas. Glazes add a concentrated flavor dimension to whatever you are eating.
Q. How should Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Glaze be stored?
A. We recommend storing our Balsamic Glaze at room temperature.
Q. Why are Balsamic Glazes sweeter than Balsamic Vinegar?
A. Balsamic Glazes are made to assimilate aged Balsamic Vinegar. Aged Balsamic Vinegars are thicker, more robust in flavor and sweeter than commercial grade Balsamic Vinegar. They are mostly used as a finishing sauce and very versatile. Balsamic Glazes are a balance between sweet and acidic so they add another flavor dimension to a meal.
Q. What is Balsamic Vinegar?
A. Balsamic Vinegar is made from a grape called the Trebbiano grape which is native to Italy. Balsamic Vinegar is inherently a sweet vinegar that is dark in color and has a lot of body. It originates in a town called Modena (Maw-de-na).
Q. Is there sugar added to the glaze?
A. The sweetness mostly comes from the natural sugars in the grapes. While the Balsamic Vinegar is being cooked, the sugars in the grapes caramelize. Some sweetness also comes from the natural sugars of the ingredients such as the fruit and wine. We add some NON GMO granulated cane sugar to drop the acidity a little when we finish cooking.
Q. Is there alcohol in the Cabernet Merlot?
A. We do use a Cabernet Merlot wine in our Cabernet Merlot Balsamic Glaze however the alcohol is cooked off during the glaze process which is validated through lab analysis.
Q. What’s the best one for fish/meat etc.?
A. The great thing about our glazes is that they are all very versatile. You can drizzle any of them on almost everything. Strawberry Fig is fantastic paired with fish while the Classic and the Cabernet Merlot are great with meat and poultry. They can all be used on salads, grilled vegetables, appetizers and even dessert. Remember that they are versatile and just because a recipe calls for one flavor, you can always substitute with any variety.
Q. What are the health benefits of Balsamic Glaze?
A. Our Balsamic Glazes are NON GMO, GLUTEN FREE, FAT FREE and SODIUM FREE. Nonna Pia’s is a healthy alternative to any condiment or dressing.
Q. How long do they last?
A. The shelf life of our glazes is four (4) years from production date. The best before date will be stamped on the bottle, just above the top of the label.
Q. Were they on Dragon’s Den (equivalent of Sharks Tank in USA)?
A. YES. Aired Nov, 2014 and an update aired April, 2015 as a result of their huge success! David Chilton partnered with us.
Q. Can you use them for salad dressings?
A. The great thing about the glazes is that you can make vinaigrette for salads or you can drizzle them straight on a salad. People who are on no fat/low fat diets love our glazes because they can drizzle them straight on a salad without any oil. A great example is spinach, arugula, goat cheese, strawberry and pine nuts drizzled with our glaze. Visit our Recipes & Pairings page for great salad recipes.
Q. Where are they made?
A. Our production facility is located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The Balsamic Vinegar that we start with is a high grade three leaf Balsamic Vinegar imported from Modena, Italy, and all of the glazes are made in Whistler.
Q. Can you put it on ice cream?
A. Balsamic Glazes can be drizzled on ice cream, on fresh fruit as well. Visit our Recipes & Pairings page for a great recipe for fresh strawberries and ice cream with Strawberry Fig Glaze.
Some key points? Nonna Pia’s …
- IS NON-GMO. Certified!
- IS GLUTEN FREE. YEP! you guessed it, we are certified here to!
- NO FAT
- NO SODIUM
- 4 YEAR SHELF LIFE
- VERY VERSATILE. The possibilities are endless! Really!
- TASTES INCREDIBLE
