Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular and useful natural health food items you can find. It’s incredibly versatile, and can be used internally for a plethora of maladies, as a cosmetic and topical remedy and also to preserve food and sanitize the home.
But did you know you can make your own right on your counter top? Homemade apple cider vinegar is not only incredibly economical, it is delicious and requires nothing special to make. Odds are if you’re already an experienced homesteader or canner, you have what you need to make delicious apple cider vinegar right at home. A great staple for any homestead.
Here’s how:
1 sterilized large-mouth quart jar
Cheesecloth or paper towel to cover
Rubber band
2-3 medium apples, peeled, chopped and cored
3 tbs raw sugar
Filtered water
- Take the apples and stuff them into the sterilized jar.
- Mix the sugar with about 1 cup filtered water, then pour the mixture over the apples
- Pour more water in the jar until the apples are completely covered. You might need a sterile rock or fermenting weight to keep the apples submerged in the liquid
- Cover the top of the jar with the cheesecloth, paper towel, or other breathable fabric, and secure tightly with the
rubber band - Let sit in a warm, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Often a cupboard or top shelf of a pantry will do just fine
- After 2-3 weeks, strain out the apple pieces and return the liquid to the jar. Secure with fresh cheesecloth and a rubber band and return to your dark place
- Let sit for another 3-4 weeks, stirring every few days
- Once the apple cider vinegar reaches the acidity you like, it’s ready to use! Simply cover with the jar’s original lid or transfer to any container you can seal and enjoy!