Fig Vinegar is a bit like balsamic vinegar, in that it’s thick and sweet, and has a sweet and sour taste to it.
It is sometimes called “balsamic fig vinegar” or “black fig vinegar.”
It is quite expensive, about £10 / $20.00 US per 250ml (8 oz) for some brands (2005 prices.)
The most expensive ones are actually made from fermented figs. The cheaper imitation ones, about £4.25 / $8.00 US per 200ml / 6 oz, 2005 prices, are made instead from wine vinegar that has fig flavour added to it.
It is good over fresh fruit or in meat sauces. Some like it over Brussel sprouts or avocados.
You can get French or Italian brands.
Cooking Tips
To make your own imitation fig vinegar at home.
1 cup / 8 oz / 250 ml red wine vinegar
2 oz / 60g chopped figs ( about 1/3 cup, packed down)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cinnamon stick
Bring all ingredients to boil in a saucepan, then cover the pan, lower the heat right down and let simmer for just 5 minutes. Then remove from the heat and keeping it covered, let it sit overnight or for up to 24 hours for more flavour.
Strain it all. Pick out half the figs, and discard all the remaining solid bits.
Put in a blender or food processor your vinegar with the figs you saved and blend until smooth. Strain through a cheese-cloth, then bottle, and store in refrigerator.