How is it made?

Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Yeast which naturally occurs in the fruit enables an alcoholic fermentation, which turns the sugars into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter) into vinegar. Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste.

It’s history?

According to Dr. Mindell’s book “Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar,” the Babylonians were the first to convert wine into vinegar in 5000 BC, because they believed it had excellent healing properties. The book also mentions that it has been used by Hippocrates as an antibiotic, samurai warriors and U.S. Civil War soldiers.

Since 400BC, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and others, have used vinegar and vinegar mixed with honey, as an energizing tonic and a healing elixir.

Uses of cider vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar has been used to improve health for centuries, even your pet can benefit.
• Vinegar is a natural food that can help increase energy, improve vitality and enhance the immune system.
• Apple cider vinegar can be used as a health aid diluted in water or juice or in supplement form. Due to its acidity, apple cider vinegar may be very harsh, even burning to the throat. If taken straight (as opposed to use in cooking), it can be diluted (e.g. with fruit juice, honey, or sugar) before drinking.
• Diluted apple cider vinegar with plenty of water can be applied to the hair while shampooing as a natural remedy to prevent dandruff.
• It is also used in cooking, baking or as a salad dressing.

Health benefits

According to HealthNews.com, apple cider vinegar has been proved to help with medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, arthritis, infections, allergies, high cholesterol, candida, reflux and dermatitis. It is also used as a beautyaid to improve acne, skin tone and appearance and hair shine, and as a weight regulator.

Make your own cider vinegar

You might even decide to make your own vinegar. The best quality vinegar is made from cider which is made from 100% fresh apples because the nutrients from the pure juice will allow a faster fermentation resulting in fresher tasting and more aromatic cider vinegar.

Just leave cider in a shed or cool, dry place to ‘over’ ferment. Once the cider has been fully fermented into vinegar, it is usually matured for a further few months, before bottlling. It can be filtered if you want a clear and bright appearance.