La Vecchia Dispensa Organic Apple Saba

The Italian condiment saba dates back to the ancient Romans, who first started cooking fruit juice down to a syrup, in order to remove its water content and preserve their harvest. We at Milk Street are obsessed with the Organic Apple Saba from La Vecchia Dispensa for its especially complex taste, with a rich quality reminiscent of dried fruit—think raisins or plums—and a semi-tart, bright finish that is pure apple. The family-owned company in Modena, Italy, has specialized in the age-old technique for fermenting saba into vinegar for four generations. We love how the company has adapted its expertise to make Organic Apple Saba: Over the course of 48 hours, local apple juice is cooked down to deepen its fruity sweetness, mellow out tartness and develop a rich, caramelized aroma. We guarantee you've never tasted anything like this rich, luxurious condiment.

The deep sweetness of La Vecchia Dispensa's Organic Apple Saba can serve as a great complementary flavor in savory recipes, similar to balsamic. Glaze roasted chicken or pork, or drizzle over seared salmon and garnish with a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts. We also like it tossed with braised greens (try spinach, chard or kale) and blended with caramelized onions and sautéed apples. Use the saba to enhance simple pureeed winter squash soup or meaty green lentils, like our Lentil Salad with Gorgonzola.

On the sweet side, swirl Organic Apple Saba into yogurt or over oatmeal topped with walnuts and dried cherries. Drizzle it over toast slathered with tahini, French toast, pancakes with apple butter, or toasted pound cake. It's absolutely delicious with ice cream—especially vanilla, dulce de leche, ginger or cinnamon— either on its own or on a sophisticated sundae, with toasted nuts and brown sugar-spiked whipped cream. Or simply mix a teaspoon or two with seltzer water and a bit of lemon juice for a refreshing drink—add an optional dash of bitters for an adult twist.

• Net Volume: 3.38 fluid ounces
• Ingredients: 100% organic apple juice
• Place of Origin: Italy