Changes in major antioxidant compounds during aging of traditional balsamic vinegar

Traditional balsamic vinegar (TBV) shows antioxidant capacity that increases passing from cask 5, containing the youngest vinegar, to cask 1 containing the oldest vinegar. This increase in antioxidant capacity is a consequence of both the concentration of compounds already present and of new antioxidants formation and is positively related to the increase in the polyphenolic content and in the Maillard reaction/caramellisation products. During TBV ageing, some reactions involving flavonoids and tannins take place. Tannins can undergo acid-catalyzed cleavage of their interflavonoid bonds with subsequent condensation of other flavonoid molecules. In addition, the low pH, the decrease of the water content and the presence of aldehydes, may promote flavonoids polycondensation. These reactions explain the observed increase in polymeric phenolic compounds and the decrease in monomeric flavonoids. During TBV ageing an increase in the browning index is observed as a consequence of the polycondensation reactions of flavonoids and of brown melanoidins accumulation.