You’ve likely mixed balsamic vinegar into a salad dressing or drizzled a little over some fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, but how much do you actually know about that bottle sitting in your pantry? As it turns out, there are many different types of balsamic vinegar that vary widely in terms of both quality and price, ranging from a few dollars for a 16-ounce bottle to hundreds of dollars for just an ounce of the good stuff.

So, what exactly is balsamic vinegar, and what should you look for when buying a bottle? Read on for our guide to this essential pantry staple, including a breakdown of the different types and our favorite ways to use them in the kitchen.