Celebrate the Big Citrus Flavors of Calamansi Balsam
Posted by Alayne Gardner-Carimi on
Summer is finally here, and for a brief instance our calendar and weather align. Let's celebrate with our very popular Calamansi Balsam Vinegar! Often introduced as one of the most unique fruit vinegars we have at vomFASS-Madison, its bright, tangy flavors sing of citrus and sunshine!
This multipurpose golden elixir brightens many summer plates. Tingling your taste buds, it enhances veggies and fruits; marinades and dressings for chicken, fish, seafood and tofu dishes; cocktails and mocktails. Both savory and sweet dishes all take on more dimensions with a splash of Calamansi Balsam Vinegar. It adds a unique zip to all styles of cooking! Check our recipes below for some new ideas.
What is a Calamansi (ca'-la-man-si)
Also referred to as the Philippine lime, it is so much more than a lime! It's also known as "calamondin orange." In the US it grows in Florida and California, however, here it is mainly ornamental. It looks like a small green lime when immature, but when it starts to mature it can be as orange as a kumquat. It is hybrid mix of both the kumquat and mandarin orange.
It is tart like a lemon and has elements of lemon with a touch of orange and a little lime in its flavor profile. Its skin is very thin, edible and almost a little sweet. It should never, ever, be confused with calamari (squid), although calamari marinated in calamansi before grilling is absolutely delicious 😆.
Why Haven’t I Heard of This?
The Philippines is the only major producer of calamansi. It ranks as the fourth most widely-grown fruit crop in the Philippines, right after banana, mango, and pineapple. It is primarily grown for its juice extracts, which are exported to the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Hong Kong, among others. The Philippines exports between 160,000 and 190,000 metric tons of calamansi juice each year.
vomFASS creates our delicious Calamansi Balsam Vinegar from Fair-Trade calamansi purée, supporting the work of the Child Protection and Fair Trade Organization (PREDA) in the Philippines. This vinegar holds multiple awards from the International Taste and Quality Institute and is a world-wide fan-favorite.
Calamansi-Elderflower Shrub
While you are in filling (or refilling) your bottles with Calamansi Balsam Vinegar for your summer needs, ask for a taste of our Calamansi-Elderflower shrub or syrup. Its fantastic sweet, tart, and floral nectar goes perfectly in fruit salads, creative cocktails, and makes a delightfully different “lemonade” for family meals and brunches. It is also made with Fair-Trade calamansi purée from the Philippines.
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