Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile kitchen staple loved for its tangy flavor and numerous health benefits. Making your own homemade apple cider vinegar is not only satisfying but also a great way to reduce waste by using apple scraps. If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade apple cider vinegar, this friendly, step-by-step guide will walk you through the process with ease.
Why Make Apple Cider Vinegar at Home?
Homemade apple cider vinegar allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the fermentation process. It’s cost-effective, sustainable, and can be tailored to your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover apple cores and peels that might otherwise go to waste. Whether for cooking, cleaning, or health tonics, homemade ACV is a rewarding project that fills your kitchen with natural goodness.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
– Apple scraps (cores, peels, or whole apples) — about 6 to 8 apples worth, preferably organic
– 2 tablespoons of sugar (granulated or raw sugar like turbinado)
– Filtered water (chlorine-free to protect fermentation bacteria)
Equipment
– A large glass jar (a quart or 4-cup mason jar works well)
– A breathable cover like a coffee filter, paper towel, or butter muslin
– A rubber band or canning ring to secure the cover
– A spoon for stirring
– Optional: fermentation weights or a small jar to keep apple scraps submerged
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
Step 1: Prepare Your Apple Scraps
After enjoying fresh apples or making apple treats, collect the cores and peels. Place them in your clean glass jar, filling it no more than three-quarters full. This leaves room for the apples to expand during fermentation.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Water
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of sugar in about 2 cups of filtered water. Pour this over the apple scraps until they are completely submerged. It’s important that no apple pieces float above the liquid because exposed scraps can grow mold and spoil your batch.
If some scraps float, use fermentation weights, a smaller jar, or even a shot glass to keep them submerged.
Step 3: Cover and Store
Cover the jar with your breathable material (coffee filter or paper towel) and secure it with a rubber band or canning ring. This allows air in but keeps dust and insects out.
Place the jar in a warm, dark spot—like the top shelf of a cupboard or above the refrigerator. The ideal temperature is around room temperature (70°F or 21°C).
Step 4: Ferment for Two Weeks
Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about two weeks. During this time, natural yeasts and bacteria will start fermenting the sugars in the apples, turning them first into alcohol and then into vinegar.
You might notice bubbles or fizz—this is a good sign that fermentation is happening.
Step 5: Strain and Continue Fermentation
After two weeks, strain out the apple scraps and compost them. Return the liquid to the jar, cover it again with the breathable cloth, and secure it.
Let the liquid ferment for another 2 to 4 weeks at room temperature. Stir it daily to aerate the mixture, which helps the acetic acid bacteria convert alcohol into vinegar.
Step 6: Taste and Store
After about 4 to 6 weeks total, start tasting your vinegar weekly. When it reaches the acidity and flavor you like, transfer it to a sealed bottle for storage.
If it’s not quite there, let it ferment longer, tasting every few days. Once bottled, store the vinegar in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to slow further fermentation.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
– Use organic apples when possible to avoid pesticides that can interfere with fermentation.
– Filtered or spring water is best; tap water with chlorine can kill the beneficial bacteria.
– Patience is key—good vinegar takes time to develop its complex flavor.
– A “mother” of vinegar, a cloudy, jelly-like substance, may form on top. This is a natural part of the process and can be used to start future batches.
– If mold appears, discard the batch and start over to avoid contamination.
Benefits of Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
Making your own apple cider vinegar means no added preservatives or artificial ingredients. It’s rich in probiotics and enzymes that support digestion and overall health. Plus, homemade ACV is excellent for natural cleaning, hair care, and even as a salad dressing base.
Making apple cider vinegar at home is a simple, rewarding process that connects you to the age-old tradition of fermentation. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a healthy, flavorful vinegar that enhances your kitchen and your wellness routine.
Enjoy your homemade apple cider vinegar adventure!