Italian word
aceto balsamico
balsamic vinegar (specifically from Modena or Reggio Emilia)
Looks like
balsamic / balm
balsamic means relating to balm or having healing properties; only used in English for the vinegar
⚠️ The trap
The cheap 'balsamic vinegar' sold everywhere is flavoured wine vinegar with caramel colouring — NOT real balsamic. Genuine 'aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena DOP' is aged for 12-25+ years, costs €30-100+ for a small bottle, and is a completely different product. It should be drizzled on parmesan or strawberries, not used in salad dressing.
To say "balsamic means relating to balm or having healing properties; only used in English for the vinegar" in Italian:
aceto balsamico tradizionale (the real aged version, DOP)
"aceto balsamico" in English means:
balsamic vinegar (specifically from Modena or Reggio Emilia)
Example
"L'aceto balsamico tradizionale costa molto perché è invecchiato per anni."
"Traditional balsamic vinegar costs a lot because it is aged for years."
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