How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar

Learn how to make apple cider vinegar at home with leftover apple scraps. This homemade vinegar is easy to make but takes time to complete.  

I use apple cider vinegar daily in my home. I use it for both culinary and home cleaning uses. It’s a staple ingredient in my house with hundreds of uses! 

Watch the Video Version of How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It has a distinctive, tangy flavor and is used for various culinary and medicinal purposes.

Why Make Apple Cider Vinegar?

Making your own ACV allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the fermentation process. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to store-bought options. I also love that instead of composting my apple scraps, I can use them to make vinegar instead! 

Ingredients Needed To Make Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apples: Any apples will work. You can use fresh apples or apple scraps left over from making apple sauce. Apple peels, apple cores and whole apples work for making real apple cider vinegar. 
• Sugar: Real sugar is needed for the fermentation process. Do not use other types of sweeteners in place of sugar. 
• Filtered Water: I recommend using clean filtered water for fermented foods. Tap water often contains chlorine, which may kill the good bacteria in the fermentation process. 
• Mother Culture: A culture (also known as a mother) will naturally form at the top of the vinegar. It usually forms a jellyfish-looking culture but can also look like sludge. You may use a mother from a previous batch of vinegar if you like. 

How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar

To make your own apple cider vinegar at home, you will need 4 cups of apples, a half cup of sugar, and filtered water. 

Start by chopping the apples into one-inch cubes. Place them in a half-gallon mason jar and top with sugar and water.

Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Cover the jar with a coffee filter secured with a rubber band and place in a dark and warm place to ferment. 

Stir the apple cider vinegar once a week. 

After 2-4 weeks, a “mother” will form at the top of the jar. Once the mother forms, you no longer need to stir the vinegar. 

Let the vinegar ferment for 2-3 months. Keep the vinegar covered to prevent fruit flies and other insects from entering the jar. Once fermented, strain the apples and mother from the raw vinegar and bottle the apple cider vinegar. Resave the vinegar mother for the next batch. 

Store the ACV at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. 

How To Use ACV

While there are hundreds of uses for apple cider vinegar, below are a few of my favorite ways to use this versatile ingredient. 

1. Salad Dressing: ACV makes a tangy and flavorful base for salad dressings. Mix it with olive oil, honey, and herbs for a tasty vinaigrette. Give my apple cider vinegar dressing recipe a try!
2. Marinade: Use ACV as a component of marinades for meat, poultry, or tofu. It can tenderize and add flavor to your dishes.
3. Hair Rinse: Dilute ACV with water and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing. It can help remove residue and leave your hair shiny. Learn more about ACV for Hair here!
4. Facial Toner: Make an ACV toner with water and ACV. This toner may help balance the skin’s pH and reduce acne.
5. Weight Management: Some people consume ACV before meals to help control appetite and aid in weight loss.
6. Digestive Aid: A tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water before meals may help with digestion and alleviate indigestion.
7. Foot Soak: Soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and ACV to relieve foot odor and soften calluses.
8. Household Cleaner: ACV can be mixed with water and used as an eco-friendly household cleaner for surfaces like countertops and glass.
9. Detox Bath: Add a cup of ACV to your bathwater to help detoxify your skin and relax muscles.
10. Immune Boosting Wellness Shot: Another great way to get your daily dose of ACV is to make shots! ACV Shots are made with ACV, water and honey and taste delicious!

FAQ

Can I Use Any Type of Apples? 

While any apples can be used, it’s best to choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a balanced flavor. Organic apples are recommended to avoid pesticides.

Do I Need Special Equipment? 

You’ll need a large glass jar, cheesecloth or a coffee filter, and a rubber band for covering the jar’s opening.

How Long Does It Take to Make Apple Cider Vinegar? 

The fermentation process typically takes 1-2 months, but it can be longer depending on various factors like temperature and sugar content.

What’s the Sugar-to-Water Ratio for the Fermentation Process? 

A common ratio is one tablespoon of sugar per one cup of water. Adjust the amount according to the size of your container.

Can I Speed Up the Fermentation Process? 

You can add a small amount of existing ACV with “the mother” (the cloudy substance) to kickstart fermentation.

What Should the Temperature Be During Fermentation? 

Ideally, the temperature should be between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Cooler temperatures may slow down fermentation.

What Are the Signs That My ACV Is Ready? 

Look for a strong, sour aroma and a tangy taste. You’ll also notice sediment settling at the bottom, which is a sign that fermentation is complete.

How Do I Store Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar? 

Transfer it to a glass bottle with an airtight lid and store it in a cool, dark place. It can last for several months to a year.

What Is “the Mother” in Apple Cider Vinegar? 

“The mother” is a colony of beneficial bacteria and enzymes formed during the fermentation process. It is a sign of a high-quality ACV and is safe to consume.

Can I Use My Homemade ACV for Cooking and Health Benefits? Absolutely! Homemade ACV can be used in salad dressings, marinades, as a health tonic, and more.

Is There a Risk of Spoilage or Mold During Fermentation? 

While rare, mold growth can occur. Ensure cleanliness by using a sterilized jar, washed organic apples, and monitor the fermentation process to prevent spoilage.

Related:

• The Best Apple Cider Vinegar To Buy From Grocery Stores
• How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies 

​

PrintLinks on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same