Apple cider vinegar has several uses around the house. As a food item you can use it in marinades, dressings and sauces. You can also use it as a household cleaner and for personal care, such as a sunburn remedy or a foot soak. The process of making vinegar is similar to the wine-making process -- one difference is that you do not ferment the vinegar in an air-tight container. You can find the yeast to make your own apple cider vinegar at wine supply shops.
Step 1
Pour 1 qt. of apple cider into the 2-qt. pitcher. Evenly divide the rest of the apple cider between the two 3-gallon buckets.
Step 2
Crumble the all-purpose wine yeast into the 2-qt. pitcher of apple cider. Stir it with a wooden spoon until completely dissolved.
Step 3
Divide the yeast mixture evenly between the two buckets of cider. Stir with the wooden spoon to incorporate the mixture.
Step 4
Put the cheesecloth over the bucket openings. Secure it around the lip with twine or a giant rubber band.
Step 5
Put the buckets in a dark place that is no cooler than 60 degrees Fahrenheit and no warmer than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6
Stir the mixture once a day for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, use an eye dropper to sample and taste the mixture. If it is tart enough for your taste, you can move on to the next step. If not, let it sit longer and taste it each day until it reaches the desired level of tartness. The longer it ferments, the more tart it becomes.
Step 7
Keep the cheese cloth on the buckets and pour one of the buckets into a large pot. The cheesecloth acts as a strainer to remove the yeast sediment.
Step 8
Heat the vinegar on low to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir often and test the temperature with the candy thermometer.
Step 9
Let the vinegar cool and pour it through a funnel into clean 1-gallon glass or plastic bottles.
Step 10
Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the other bucket of vinegar.
Tips and Warnings
- Store the vinegar in a cool dry place.
Things You'll Need
- 5 gallons apple cider
- 2 qt. pitcher
- 2 3-gallon plastic buckets
- 2 lg. sheets unbleached cheesecloth, large enough to cover the buckets
- Twine or giant rubber bands
- 1 cake all-purpose wine yeast
- Large pot
- Funnel
- 5 gallon-sized glass or plastic bottles with tops
- Candy thermometer
References
- "Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of"; Vicki Lansky, et al.; 2003
- "The Way to Make Wine: How to Craft Superb Table Wines at Home"; Sheridan F. Warrick; 2010
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