Ever considered making your own apple cider vinegar? It's easier than you think!
Apple cider vinegar, similar to grape vinegar, has a sour taste but does not irritate the throat. Additionally, it has extraordinary properties that turn this drink into a remedy, making apple cider vinegar highly regarded. It can be utilized in various ways, such as a salad dressing, an ingredient in other dishes, or as a solution in water (daily, dissolve one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it). Ready to unlock the secrets of homemade apple cider vinegar? We're about to walk you through the traditional method.
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
- A small amount of boiling water
- Two kilograms of apples
- Two glasses of apple cider vinegar or grape vinegar
Recipe
1. First, wash the apples and dry them completely.
2. Cut the apples into small pieces, removing the cores and stems.
3. Place the apples in a container and pour some boiling water over them.
4. For every two kilograms of apples, add two glasses of apple cider vinegar. You can also use grape or pear vinegar.
5. Fill the container so that ¼ of it remains empty to ensure proper fermentation.
6. It is advisable to remove the lid of the container and use a mesh cover to allow air circulation, which helps prevent mold formation. Alternatively, cover the container with a cloth and secure it tightly with a rubber band.
Additionally, to prevent infestation and expedite the fermentation of apple cider vinegar, place it in a room with a temperature between 25°C to 30°C.
7. After several days, the vinegar aroma attracts vinegar flies, which benefit the final product. At this point, it is time to wait for 40 to 50 days before straining the vinegar. This is the optimal time for consuming apple cider vinegar.
8. When making apple cider vinegar using traditional methods, you should wait around 60 to 90 days. After this time, remove the lid and taste a bit of the vinegar. If it tastes sour, strain it. About 20 days after straining, your apple cider vinegar will be ready for use.
How long does apple cider vinegar last?
Apple cider vinegar has a long shelf life due to its acidic nature. It rarely spoils and maintains its quality over time. It does not need to be refrigerated; therefore, storing it in glass containers is recommended. The environment should be kept moderate in temperature. If the vinegar appears cloudy or sediment settles at the bottom after some time, do not discard it as it is still usable. Simply strain it to clarify and discard any sediment.
Here are a few tips
- Ensure that the vinegar container is completely dry. Any moisture can cause the vinegar to mold.
- There's no need to wash the apples, as moisture on the apple skin can cause vinegar mold. Simply wipe them clean with a dry cloth.
- Always use a cloth cover for the container lid, and never seal the container tightly before the vinegar is ready and strained. Vinegar flies require air to convert apples into vinegar. Therefore, sealing the container or using non-breathable covers can prevent oxygen access and lead to their demise.
Have you tried making your own apple cider vinegar? Share your experience in the comments below! We'd love to hear your tips and tricks.