? About balsamic vinegar vs. other dressings

[amylou]

Pre-Atkins I always opted for balsamic vinegar/oil dressings vs. the creamy ones (ranch, blue cheese) because it was a healthier option fat-wise. I know that balsamic vinegar is a no-no because there is sugar. So now I have been using ranch / b.c.

My question is this:

The creamy salad dressings have sugar also. Dr. A states the guidelines for using these dressings in DANDR. Given that balsamic also has the sugar in it, why isn't it okay to use this w/ a healthy oil? It would be healthier than using the creamy dressings which contain more calories and saturated fat.

Anyone see my point? Maybe someone could clarify why it's okay to use a creamy dressing which has sugar on the ingredients list, but not okay to use the vinegar. BTW...I have tried other vinegars and really can't tolerate them for some reason...so please don't just tell me to use other vinegars!

Thanks! Amy

[Waterbabe_Helena]

Re: ? About balsamic vinegar vs. other dressings

I love balsamic vinegar and do sprinkle a little on my red cabbage. If it's only a teaspoonful can it do that much harm?

I await with you, the answers!

[Chef Kevin]

Re: ? About balsamic vinegar vs. other dressings

well, in most balsalmic vinegar, the sugar is about 2g per serving. If you make your own dressing with it, like I would, you can minimize the carbs. the oil ration to vinegar is 3 or 4 to one. add some dijon mustard to aid in emulsifying the mixture and you should be good.

as far as sugar in cream dressings, sugar is everywhere, just be careful. I like Ken's caesar dessing and Ken's italian. Both are 1g per serving. 1 or 2g isn't going to hurt you as long as you are aware they are there.

the thing with viegar is that it is fermented, so if you have yeast issues, then watch it. that's all. no big deal.

[Waterbabe_Helena]

Re: ? About balsamic vinegar vs. other dressings

I've just bought some white wine vinegar, so I hope that's legal!

[not2late]

Re: ? About balsamic vinegar vs. other dressings

Pre-Atkins I always opted for balsamic vinegar/oil dressings vs. the creamy ones (ranch, blue cheese) because it was a healthier option fat-wise. I know that balsamic vinegar is a no-no because there is sugar. So now I have been using ranch / b.c.

My question is this:

The creamy salad dressings have sugar also. Dr. A states the guidelines for using these dressings in DANDR. Given that balsamic also has the sugar in it, why isn't it okay to use this w/ a healthy oil? It would be healthier than using the creamy dressings which contain more calories and saturated fat.

Anyone see my point? Maybe someone could clarify why it's okay to use a creamy dressing which has sugar on the ingredients list, but not okay to use the vinegar. BTW...I have tried other vinegars and really can't tolerate them for some reason...so please don't just tell me to use other vinegars!

Thanks! Amy

It's like what Chef Kevin said...balsamic vinegars have added sugars. I've seen balsamics with sugar contents as high as 5 grams of sugar per serving. In an issue of Cook's Illustrated magazine about 3 years ago, they reviewed balsamic vinegars---unless you buy the authentic balsamic that's aged for years in barrels in Italy and has the consistency of syrup, the commercial grade balsamics are adulterated with added fruit juice or sugars in order to make the product less expensive and to approximate the real stuff that costs almost as much as a $500 per ounce.

Also, the salad dressing rule says less than 2 carb grams and no added sugar. So if it has sugar or fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, etc. in the ingredients, then technically it isn't allowed.

Typically, I just use a good quality olive oil and a squirt of lemon or lime juice on my salads. If I get fancy, I'll add the leaves of fresh herbs (Italian parsley, mint, basil, etc.) to the salad greens. Or I infuse a moderate quality olive oil with fresh herbs and spices and just drizzle that over my veggies---without adding vinegar or lemon/lime juice.

[Chef Kevin]

Re: ? About balsamic vinegar vs. other dressings

Oh yeah.... Infused oils rock!!!
they get better and better as they sit!

you do need an acid in my opinion for the oil. I like rice vinegar, since it has a mild flavor. I don't use much, just enough to cut through the oil.