How To: Make Apple Cider Vinegar

We are all about reducing the amount of waste in our home.  As fall rolls through we use a lot of apples and when baking and making homemade applesauce and such the peels and cores would normally end up in the trash.

That is what made us decide to make apple cider vinegar ourselves. The seeds can be added to bird feed and the stems are all that is left for the compost. How is that for reducing waste?

How do you make Apple Cider Vinegar from your apple scraps?

If you are cooking a lot of apples like we are and you want to get the most out of your apple scraps grab a large jar and make a batch of apple cider vinegar with your apple scraps instead of tossing them into the compost bin. When you strain it you can still toss the leftovers right into the compost for amazing soil.

The process to make apple cider vinegar is really very simple.

:: Place your scraps in a bowl while you are cutting up apples for any other project you are doing.

:: Let those scraps turn brown. This aids in the fermenting process.

Have Apple Scraps? Try making your own Apple Cider Vinegar

:: While cleaning up your kitchen dump the apple scraps into a glass jar and add water. The lesson learned here leave some headroom as it ferments the level will rise.

:: Cover with cheesecloth or a flour sack towel like I did. Tie a string around the rim to keep it on. This will keep bugs and dust out of your vinegar

:: Place in a warm dark shelf. (above your fridge or stove should be warm cabinets do to heat let off from that appliance.

:: You can go back and add more scraps until the jar is filled most of the way up don’t waste space right?

:: Mark your calendar for one month. When you go back you will find the apples have fermented into Apple cider vinegar.

:: You will find this has a bit of sediment in it. This is called the Mother and is amazing for your health. You can strain and cook with the mother or use it to give your next a boost when you make apple cider vinegar.

Make Apple Cider Vinegar to use in many ways in your home.

Apple cider vinegar is a bit expensive these days and to get a bottle with the mother in it, you are looking at over $7 a bottle.  Apple cider vinegar has many benefits for your health and can be used to make your own cleaners. Making your own from scraps can save a whole lot of money in the long run, give it a try you won’t regret it. Apple Cider Vinegar has so many uses making it more than worth the time to make your own.

Salad Dressing: Use apple cider vinegar as a tangy component in homemade salad dressings. Combine it with olive oil, mustard, honey, and herbs for a flavorful vinaigrette.

Food Preservative: Use apple cider vinegar to pickle vegetables like cucumbers, onions, or carrots. It can help extend the shelf life of perishable items.

Marinade for Meat or Tofu: Create a marinade with apple cider vinegar, oil, herbs, and spices. It can tenderize meat and infuse it with flavor before grilling or roasting.

Baking Leavening Agent: Apple cider vinegar combined with baking soda can act as a leavening agent in recipes, especially for vegan baking. It helps create light and fluffy textures.

Cleaning Agent: Mix apple cider vinegar with water to create a natural and effective cleaning solution. It can be used to clean surfaces, windows, and even as a natural fabric softener in laundry.

Hair Rinse: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing. It can help balance the pH of your scalp and leave your hair shiny and soft.

Digestive Aid: Incorporate a small amount of apple cider vinegar into your diet to aid digestion. Some people find that it helps alleviate symptoms like indigestion and heartburn.

Skin Toner: Mix apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a natural toner for your skin. It can help balance the skin’s pH levels and reduce excess oil.

Sore Throat Remedy: Gargle with diluted apple cider vinegar to help soothe a sore throat. The acidity can help kill bacteria and provide relief.

The benefits of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy that has been used for centuries. It is believed to have several potential health benefits, although it’s important to note that many of these claims are based on anecdotal evidence and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Here are some of the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar:

May Aid Digestion: Some people use apple cider vinegar to help with digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and heartburn. It is thought to increase stomach acid production, which can aid in digestion.

Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. This could be beneficial for people with insulin resistance or diabetes.

Weight Management: Some research indicates that apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. However, it should not be relied upon as a sole method for weight loss.

May Lower Cholesterol: Animal studies have shown that apple cider vinegar may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. However, human studies are limited, and more research is needed.

Antimicrobial Properties: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. It may help kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, both externally and internally.

May Improve Skin Health: Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner to balance the skin’s pH levels and reduce acne. It may also be used to soothe sunburn or insect bites.

May Alleviate Sore Throats: Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar may help soothe a sore throat. Its acidic nature may help kill bacteria.

May Relieve Muscle Cramps: The potassium content in apple cider vinegar may help prevent or relieve muscle cramps.

May Improve Heart Health: Some animal studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may have a positive impact on heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed in humans.

May Assist in Detoxification: Some proponents claim that apple cider vinegar can help detoxify the body by supporting liver function and aiding in the elimination of toxins.

May Help Alleviate Allergies: Some people believe that consuming apple cider vinegar may help reduce allergy symptoms by balancing the body’s pH levels.

It’s important to note that while apple cider vinegar may have potential benefits, it’s not a substitute for medical treatment or a balanced diet. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. Additionally, when using apple cider vinegar, it should be diluted, as consuming it undiluted can be harsh on the digestive system and tooth enamel.

Simple At Home - Making Life Simple Again

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

9 comments

  • delia says:

    Just one question……you don’t use a starter culture at all? Like a little vinegar with mother?
    Thanks for your time.

    Reply
    • Jenn says:

      No need just lett the brown before putting them into the jar. The mother wi form right there in the jar. Note that the Mother is great for your health so toss it into your next smoothie.

      Reply
  • FitTriangleMom says:

    I use apple cider vinegar a lot. Great to know I can make it at home. Stopping by from Small Victories Sunday.

    Reply
  • SO SIMPLE!!! I love it! Thanks so much for taking the time to link up with us over at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again on Friday 🙂 Feel free to bring a friend or two!

    Reply
  • The Mad Mommy says:

    This is so good to know! I am definitely going to try this! Thank you for sharing this at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!

    Reply
  • Robin says:

    I know this is an older post but should it have mold on top?! Mine has some and that’s a little scary!

    Reply
    • Jenn says:

      That is not mold but the mother forming. You can skim it off the top if it makes you feel better before using it can be a bit gross. Vinegar actually kills mold 🙂 Now if you are 100% sure mold has formed smell your vinegar it may have not stayed at the right temperature and will not smell like vinegar.

      Reply
  • Rachelle says:

    How long will this keep? Can you use like a canning process if you make more than one glass full?

    Reply
    • Simple At Home says:

      This keeps like the standard bottle of braggs.

      Reply