Enrichment of White Wine Vinegar with Aromatic Plants: The Impact on Aromatic, Polyphenolic, and Sensory Profiles

Abstract

The food industry is developing intensively, and products that, with their characteristics, enrich the food taste and aroma are widely used in the culinary arts. White wine vinegar is often used as a food condiment and as dressing in salads. This research aims to explore the impact of the maceration of selected aromatic plants on the organoleptic properties, bioactive compounds, and sensory profile of white wine vinegar. The plants selected for white wine (cv ‘Malvazija istarska’) vinegar aromatization were rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) dried leaves and black elder (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. nigra) flowers (elderflowers). Vinegar flavored with rosemary had more pronounced pinewood and herbal aromas, while spicy aromas dominated the vinegar with thyme. The elderflower-flavored vinegar, on the other hand, was characterized by a floral and fruity aroma. Among the analyzed vinegars, white wine vinegar flavored with elderflower had the highest polyphenolic content.