RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING

Port

Port wine, commonly referred to simply as "port," is a type of fortified wine originating from Portugal's Douro Valley. Produced exclusively in the region since the 17th century, it comes in a variety of styles, including ruby, tawny, vintage, and white. Ports are characterized by their rich, sweet flavors and higher alcohol content compared to other wines, ranging from 19% to 22%. Port is often enjoyed as a dessert wine, served with cheese, nuts, or chocolate. It is also a popular ingredient in various recipes, adding depth and complexity to sauces, marinades, and desserts. As a versatile wine, port is an excellent addition to a home cook’s repertoire, offering a unique and flavorful element for both sweet and savory dishes.
#28
IN WINE
160
CAL / 100G
$1.06
AVG / OZ
port
99%
CARBS
0%
FAT
1%
PROTEIN
Port FAQ
When cooking with port, people often wonder how to choose the best type for their recipe, when to add it during the cooking process, and whether or not the alcohol content will evaporate. A common mistake is using a cheap or low-quality port for cooking, believing that the quality doesn't matter since it's not being consumed straight. However, like with any wine, the quality of the port will greatly affect the flavor of your dish. Firstly, choose your port based on the recipe. Ruby ports are full-bodied and fruity, perfect for meaty stews or fruity desserts. Tawny ports are lighter and nuttier, ideal for cheese based dishes and lighter, creamy desserts. Vintage ports, being the highest quality, should generally be reserved for drinking rather than cooking. Adding your port at the right time during cooking is also crucial. For stews and sauces, adding it early allows time for the port to reduce and intensify its flavors. For desserts or dishes where a stronger port flavor is desired, adding it later in the cooking process will preserve more of the original wine character. Though many believe that all the alcohol content in wine will burn off during cooking, this is not entirely true. The amount that evaporates depends greatly on cooking time and method, with a longer cooking time resulting in more alcohol evaporation. As a final tip, port can be used to deglaze a pan, pulling up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom after searing meat. This not only adds a rich flavor to your food, but it also helps to clean your pan!
What kind of port should I use for cooking?
Does the quality of the port matter when cooking?
When should I add port during cooking?
Does all the alcohol in port evaporate during cooking?
Can I use port to deglaze a pan?
Can port be used in sweet and savory dishes?
Is port similar to red wine in cooking?
Can I subtitute port for other types of wine in a recipe?
Can I use white port in place of red port in a recipe?
Can using port in cooking make my dish too sweet?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does port expire?
Unopened bottles of port can last up to 2-3 years if stored properly. After being opened, a bottle of port should ideally be consumed within 2-3 weeks, but it can last up to a month or two if it's stored the right way. If the opened bottle is recorked and refrigerated immediately after it's been opened, it can last for several months. For homemade port, the guidelines are the same as for opened port. When it comes to freezing port, it's not usually done, since freezing can disrupt the structure of the wine and affect flavor. However, frozen port can be used in cooking and can last for 6 months to a year in the freezer.
How do you tell if port is bad?
To tell if port has gone bad, give it a good look and smell. If the color is noticeably faded or brown, or if it's developed a cloudy appearance, this may be a sign that it has oxidized and turned bad. The smell can also give you clues- if it has a sour, vinegary, or otherwise off smell, then it has likely turned. Taste is the final determinant- if it tastes off or sour, you'll know it's time to throw it away.
Tips for storing port to extend shelf life
• Store unopened bottles of port in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or wine cellar, with the bottle lying horizontally to keep the cork from drying out. • Once opened, re-cork the bottle tightly or use a wine stopper and store it in the refrigerator to maximize its lifespan. Keep it upright in the fridge to minimize the surface area of wine in contact with air. • To keep opened port fresh for longer, you can transfer it to a half-size bottle to reduce the amount of air that the wine is in contact with. • Always use clean, dry glassware when pouring port. Contaminants in your glass can lead to spoilage. • If you do choose to freeze port for cooking purposes, store it in an airtight container, leaving some room for the liquid to expand as it freezes.
EXPIRES WITHIN
27 - 27.4
YEARS
Health Info
Macros
14g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code