Creamy Balsamic Reduction - Figs and Anise authentic recipe with no added sugar nor additives - 200 ml

Why buy

Discover the taste of the Eastern Mediterranean with the V4vita balsamic reduction!

This premium organic product is a masterful blend of sweet white grape must, delicious Cretan vineyard vinegar, juicy figs and the delicate aroma of aniseed. Turn every meal into a culinary experience worthy of a chef.

This product is basically a natural balsamic reduction, made from quality grape must and vinegar, without any artificial additives.

The result is a rich, sweet and slightly acidic glaze that is both gourmet and healthy - unlike cheaper options with added sugars or thickeners.

Key properties

• 100% natural product: no artificial additives or preservatives.
• Excellent taste: made from grape must and aged vinegar.
• Traditional recipe: enriched with Cretan herbs.
• Versatile use: a great addition to salads, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, desserts and other dishes.

Delicious flavor harmony

The sweet figs blend perfectly with the subtle spiciness of the aniseed, creating an unmistakable flavour profile that impresses both when cooking and serving.

The combination of figs and aniseed is well known in culinary circles, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Figs, with their honeyed sweetness and delicate floral flavour, pair well with spices such as aniseed, which adds a subtle liquorice note.

This combination is popular in a variety of dishes, including pastries, jams and desserts. For example, Lebanese fig jam with aniseed is a traditional delicacy.

This combination is not common in Czech cuisine, which may be the reason why many Czechs are unfamiliar with it. However, thanks to its harmonious interplay of flavours, it can be attractive to those looking for new and interesting gastronomic experiences.

Some interesting facts about anise

Anise is an aromatic spice derived from the aniseed plant (Pimpinella anisum), which is known for its sweet, mildly spicy flavour and distinctive aroma reminiscent of liquorice.

Its use is very wide - in culinary applications it is added to sweet pastries such as gingerbread, cookies, breads or cakes, but also to some sauces, marinades and traditional alcoholic beverages such as absinthe, ouzo or sambuca.

Besides cuisine, it has its place in traditional medicine, where it is used for digestive problems, against flatulence or to support the respiratory tract thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Anise is also used in perfumery, where its distinctive aroma enriches fragrance mixtures. This versatile spice has a long history - already in ancient Egypt and Greece it was valued not only for its taste, but also as a healing agent and aphrodisiac.

It adds a unique and unmistakable character to food, drinks and aromas.

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Ingredients

Concentrated white grape must*, grape vinegar*, fig* 22 %, anise* 0,5 %.

*Products of organic farming.

How is v4vita balsamic reduction made?

Concentrated white grape must

What's that?

Grape must is the freshly pressed juice of grapes, which includes the skins, seeds and stems. In this case, white grapes are used that have been concentrated (reduced by heating) to remove water. The result is a thick, sweet and syrupy liquid.

Key components of grape must:

• Natural sugars (fructose and glucose) - provide natural sweetness.
• Acids (tartaric and malic) - give a slightly sour taste and also help with preservation.
• Polyphenols and antioxidants - natural substances with beneficial effects on health.

Purpose in the product:

• It works as a natural sweetener and provides a rich texture without the need to add sugar.
• It adds body and balance to the vinegar base.

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Vinegar from Cretan grape varieties

What's that?

It is a wine vinegar made by fermenting the juice of Cretan grape varieties. The process includes:

• Fermentation of grape juice into wine.
• Further fermentation, where the alcohol is converted by bacteria into acetic acid, which gives the vinegar its characteristic sour taste.

Key ingredients of vinegar:

• Acetic acid - adds a sharp taste and acts as a preservative.
• Polyphenols - antioxidants that add depth of flavour and complexity.
• Trace minerals - for example, potassium and calcium, naturally present in grapes.

Purpose in the product:

• It provides an acidity that balances the sweetness of the grape must.
• It preserves the freshness of the glaze without the use of artificial preservatives.

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How is production going?

• Thickening the grape must: the white grape must is slowly heated to evaporate the water, thus concentrating its sweetness and flavour.
• Mixing with vinegar: The concentrated must is mixed with good quality Cretan grape vinegar to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Flavouring (e.g. figs, lemon or aniseed): natural flavours are added to complement and enhance the resulting taste.
• Maturation or reduction process: the mixture can be further thickened or matured to give it a thicker consistency and a more pronounced flavour profile.

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Final ingredient profile:

• Natural sugars from grapes - no need to add additional sweeteners.
• Acids (tartaric, malic and acetic) - natural preservation and flavour enhancement.
• Polyphenols and antioxidants - promote flavour complexity and have health benefits.
• Fruit extracts (fig, lemon or aniseed) - add aroma and exceptional taste.

Result?

v4vita balsamic reduction is not only a premium gourmet product, but also a natural alternative without added sugars and chemical thickeners. It is ideal for those looking for authentic taste and quality that will elevate any meal to the next level.

Traditional vs. industrial production of balsamic reduction - why does it matter?

The traditional production of balsamic reduction, often practiced in Greece, is an art passed down through generations. The basis is the use of fresh grape must and wine vinegar from local grape varieties.

The process begins with a slow boil of the grape must, which is gradually reduced to achieve the desired density and concentrated flavour.

The reduction is done without artificial additives, sugars or thickeners, ensuring purity of flavour and premium quality. The result is a product with a natural sweetness, balanced acidity and complex notes that cannot be achieved through accelerated production.

Industrial production, on the other hand, often relies on rapid processing and chemical additives to reduce costs and increase yield.

Bulk-produced balsamic glazes tend to be thickened with starches, syrups or sugars, which adds sweetness and shine but also reduces their nutritional value and authenticity. These products focus on quantity rather than quality, which is why they are cheaper but less sophisticated in taste.

Why choose a traditionally manufactured reduction?

Traditional methods preserve the natural antioxidants, polyphenols and minerals of the grapes, which contribute to a healthier product profile. In addition, the long cooking time produces a rich, balanced flavour that is not achievable in industrial production. This approach respects the ingredients and the artisanal processes, which is why the traditional balsamic reduction is considered a premium choice for gourmets.

If you are looking for a product that is not only tasty, but also authentic and healthy, the traditional balsamic reduction is the obvious choice. You avoid unnecessary sugars and chemicals and get a concentrated flavour essence that adds gourmet character to your dishes.

Nutritional values

Recipes

Salad with goat cheese

Raw materials:

• Mixed salad leaves
• Goat cheese
• Fresh figs
• v4vita Balsamic glaze with figs and aniseed
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Arrange the mixed leaf salad on a plate, add slices of goat cheese and fresh fig quarters. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Baked chicken with glaze

Raw materials:

• 4 chicken breasts
• v4vita Balsamic glaze with figs and aniseed
• Fresh rosemary
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method: salt, pepper and rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. Fry them on both sides in a pan, transfer to a baking dish, brush with glaze, add rosemary and bake at 180 °C for about 20 minutes.

Grilled eggplants

Raw materials:

• 2 eggplants
• v4vita Balsamic glaze with figs and aniseed
• Sesame seeds
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure: cut the aubergines into slices, add salt and leave to sweat for 15 minutes. Rinse, dry, brush with olive oil and grill on both sides. Drizzle with glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Ice cream with glaze

Raw materials:

• 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream
• v4vita Balsamic glaze with figs and aniseed
• Chopped nuts

Method: drizzle balsamic glaze over the ice cream and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Serve immediately as a refreshing dessert.

Usage:

• Salads: adds a tasteful, aesthetic touch to fresh salads and vegetables.
• Roasted vegetables: enhances the taste of roasted vegetables.
• Meat: ideal for marinating meat, fish and seafood.
• Cheeses: great with various types of cheese and toasted bread as a delectable accompaniment.
• Desserts: adds the unique flavour of figs and aniseed.
• Gourmet cuisine: ideal for garnishing and highlighting gourmet-style dishes with the flavours of figs and aniseed.

v4vita - The essence of Crete in every drop

A legacy of tradition and quality

v4vita is a family-run company rooted in the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Crete, the cradle of the Mediterranean diet. Their commitment to traditional recipes and quality means a positive impact on the local community.

The company draws on many years of experience and respect for natural resources. Each v4vita product is the result of a careful selection of ingredients and traditional practices that respect nature and the gastronomic culture of the Mediterranean.

Pure ingredients, certified quality

• 100% natural and organic: No preservatives or artificial ingredients.
• Organic: Organic certificates guarantee sustainability and respect for nature.
• Authentic craftsmanship: small batch production preserves traditional recipes and methods.

Flavors that tell a story

From award-winning balsamic glazes and artisanal vinegars to golden extra virgin olive oils and herbal infusions, v4vita products capture the essence of Crete-rich, vibrant and unforgettable.

Inspired by history, driven by sustainability

The v4vita logo, inspired by the 3,800-year-old inscription from the Palace of Knossos, reflects the company's commitment to preserving Cretan values and connecting modern customers with a timeless culinary heritage.

Health and taste in harmony

As advocates of the Mediterranean lifestyle, v4vita focuses on promoting health and vitality through food. Their products are designed for:

• Gourmet cuisine: salads, marinades, meats and desserts will be elevated.
• Healthy lifestyle: They promote a balanced diet with natural and nutritious ingredients.
• Sustainability: ethical local sourcing and eco-friendly packaging.

Taste Crete - where tradition meets modern excellence

Whether you're enjoying their balsamic glazes, enriching dishes with herbal syrups or indulging in the depth of organic olive oil, v4vita brings the flavours of Crete straight to your table.