Apple cider vinegar has many amazing health benefits.
You do not believe me ? See our article on the subject here.
Only concern, cider vinegar is not cheap.
Luckily, it's easy to make your own apple cider vinegar with apple juice.
The recipe for making vinegar has remained the same for millennia.
It was born in France before spreading to all the other countries. Its independent production began in the 17th century.
This is a recipe that our grandmothers know well. It is very simple to do. Watch:
1. Take 1 liter of unpasteurized apple juice.
Note: avoid store-bought apple juice which may contain preservatives or be pasteurized.
2. Pour the apple juice into a clean glass bottle.
3. Put a balloon on the bottle. Like a hot air balloon, it will inflate as the carbon dioxide escapes. It will thus protect the contents of the bottle.
4. Place the bottle full of apple juice in a room at 20-22°C.
5. Wait six weeks maximum. When the sugar turns into alcohol, we will get cider.
Note: Depending on the room temperature and the sugar content of the apple juice, the waiting time is more or less long.
6. Transfer your cider to a wide-necked container, such as a pitcher, a fruit storage jar, or a vinegar pot.
7. Cover the container with a cloth to protect it from insects and dust.
8. Leave the container covered for four weeks. Slimy rings will form at the bottom of the container. It is the mother of vinegar. It is the fermentation of living acetic acid bacteria that form this gelatinous membrane.
There you go, your cider vinegar made from apple juice is ready :-)
Be aware that after 4 weeks, an acid odor will emerge. This is the sign that your vinegar is ready!
It is true that this process takes time but it is easy to do and more economical than buying cider vinegar in stores.
- The sweeter the apples chosen for the apple juice, the stronger the vinegar you will get. The sweeter the apple juice, the higher the alcohol content.
- To make your vinegar, it is important to choose a glass bottle that supports acids better than other materials (except stoneware and ceramic). In addition, the transparency of the glass makes it easier to follow the manufacturing process.
- If you find your vinegar too strong, boil it. It will be softer.
- To flavor it, you can boil it with a sprig of rosemary, thyme, sage leaf, bay leaf or any other aromatic herb you like.
- Save your mother of vinegar:you can use it as a base to make homemade apple cider vinegar next time.
Don't have apple juice? You can make apple cider vinegar from leftover apples. Discover the recipe here.
