Homemade Vinegar

I'm working hard to be less dependent upon the grocery stores. My goal is to grow and preserve as much of our own food as we can, plus raise our own animals for meat, milk, and eggs. Our move to the property is only weeks away now! Stay tuned to see how we learn to transform pretty much raw land into a working homestead. As older folks, we will attempt it in total dependence upon the Lord for wisdom and strength!

So, in the spirit of independence from store-bought foods, I recently found out that you can make your own vinegar very easily! I always thought that you had to make apple cider first and then let it ferment. That's quite an undertaking and labour intensive.

I found this easy and simple vinegar tutorial at Rhonda's blog, Down To Earth. Please read her very detailed and helpful instructions and take a look at her cute, homemade jar covers!

For now, I'll just summarize the steps and show you my pictures:

• I used a freshly washed quart sized canning jar
• Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the bottom of jar
• Add apple pieces (or any fruit, to fill jar)
• Pour in de-chlorinated water to cover apples
• Cover with cheese-cloth or any material that will allow air inside (very important)
• Keep jar in warm place, away from sunlight (mine is by a heat register)
• Stir each day and check the results in 3-4 weeks

Note: This vinegar will take on the flavour of whatever fruit you use. It's mostly suitable for making salad dressings, but can also be used for household cleaning, like white vinegar.

I used organic apples, since commercially-grown apples have some of the highest pesticide content of any food!

Apple chunks, and quart jar with 1/4 cup sugar.

 

Quart jar filled with apple chunks.

Jar filled up with water and topped with cheese cloth.

I read somewhere, recently, to cover your jars with a sock when you need to keep the light out. Isn't that brilliant! I will share the results in a few weeks.

 Coming soon: my Kombucha tutorial!
THIS POST WAS SHARED AT HOMESTEAD BARN HOP