There are several ways to make your own raw apple cider vinegar (ACV). You can use fresh apple scraps or whole apples to create your homemade version. Or you can start with apple cider – which is the method I use.
Ingredients:
You need 2 things to make your own ACV
- Time
- Apple Cider (or fresh apples using either of these methods.)
It’s important to note the difference between apple cider and apple juice. Apple cider refers to the unfiltered juice of apples while apple juice refers to the filtered juice of apples. I have only used apple cider for this, but unpasteurized apple juice should work with the help of a starter.
I buy apple cider from my local grocery store or farmers market. I prefer raw apple cider but if this is unavailable, I use apple cider which is flash pasteurized and refrigerated. I want it as raw as I can find.
Directions for DIY Apple Cider Vinegar
Pour apple cider into a mason jar or other glass container. Cover with a cloth and leave on the counter. The process can be hastened by adding a starter. I use 1/4 cup of ACV from a previous batch or store-bought ACV. It is important to use raw ACV since it has the key microbes that will convert your apple cider into this health tonic.
If a starter is used, you’ll have fresh raw apple cider vinegar in as little as 4-6 weeks. Without a starter, it can take up to 6 months.
There are a myriad of uses for ACV. Two of my favorites include Queen of Hungary water which is useful for personal care, as well as Vinegar of the Four Thieves which makes an excellent cleaning product. (See the recipe for Queen of Hungary water here and the Four Thieves here.)
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I make a lot of apple juice and then have the pulp left. The pulp actually has a fair amount of juice left in it.
I wonder if that could be turned into apple cider vinegar.
I don’t see why not. I would definitely add some apple cider vinegar as a starter. If you try it let me know, Lisa!
I love the idea of making my own ACV. I usually order by the gallon from Azure Standard (the last time I bought – June 2014 – their raw sold for $5.90/gallon. I’ve been limping along with a quart here and a quart there of Braggs which is almost $6 for a *quart*, even at Wal-Mart! I’m sure it would be a lot less expensive than that to make my own. I’ve got to try this. Thanks for sharing, Andrea!
Sure, Starlene. I hope it works for you. I like to use a bit of starter to be sure. 🙂