The ACV available in supermarkets is refined and distilled, over-processed, over-heating, and filtered. DIY vinegar is easy, and cheap.
By making your own ACV you’re boosting the natural fermentation qualities of the apples. When the vinegar is ready, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. The mother can be used to hasten maturity for making more Apple Cider Vinegar. Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars in grocery stores may not have.
Here’s what you need –
cores and peels from 6-8 (preferably) organic apples (colour not important)
2 tbsp organic sugar or raw honey
filtered water to cover
Method – After you’ve dried apples, made apple muffins or fruit salad etc, place the cores and peels in a large, wide-mouthed jar. Cover the scraps with water and stir in the sugar or honey.Place a paper towel on top of the jar, and secure it with a band. Let the mixture sit for 2 weeks at room temperature, then strain out the liquid. Discard the solids. (compost or worm farm.)
Return the liquid to the jar and cover it again with a paper towel and band. Leave it for 4 more weeks, stirring daily.
Taste it and see if it has the acidity you would like. If it does, transfer it to a bottle with a lid for storage. If not, leave it in the wide-mouthed jar for a little while longer, checking every few days. #applecidervinegar #janellapurcell #fermentedfoods