What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Many foods, including grapes, oranges, maple syrup, honey and even beer can be used to produce vinegars; all of which have their own unique flavors. Apple cider vinegar is made in a two-step fermentation process to convert apple juice into vinegar. First, the apples must be crushed and juiced. Then, naturally occurring yeast converts the sugars in the juice to alcohol. This is called “fermentation” and is the same process for making wine or beer. Lastly, a second fermentation occurs, where acetic bacteria converts the alcohol into acetic acid, creating what is known as apple cider vinegar. The compounds in apples give apple cider vinegar a sweet and crisp flavor, and the acetic acid provides sour notes.  

 

1. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is produced in a two-step process: The organic apples are crushed and pressed into apple juice. Apples are not peeled nor de-seeded.
2. The organic apple juice is fermented  with the naturally occurring bacteria and sugars found in apples,  converting the apple juice into ethanol (alcohol).
3. The product undergoes a second fermentation where ethanol is converted to acetic acid and results in the formation of the "Mother", consisting of Acetobacter aceti bacteria, cellulose and enzymes.
4. Water is added to dilute the organic apple cider vinegar to 5% acidity.

How to use it?

Apple cider vinegar is versatile in the kitchen. From salads to pickles to drinks, ACV can be easily incorporated into your day.   

  • Salad dressings - simply sprinkle apple cider vinegar and your favorite oil onto a salad, or combine 2 parts oil with 1 part apple cider vinegar in a jar, add desired herbs, seasonings, or sweeteners and shake to combine. One of our favorite combinations is apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a dash
  • Marinades - while traditionally used to flavor and tenderize meat, marinades can also be used in vegan cooking to flavor tofu and tempeh. Marinades usually consist of vinegar, salt, and sugar. Apple cider vinegar provides acetic acid to break down the food’s surface which allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate.  
  • Pickling - all you need is vinegar, salt, and sugar! For a “quick pickle” brine, combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then add 1 tablespoon each salt and sugar per cup. Customize with herbs and spices (like thyme, dill, and rosemary), crushed garlic cloves, or whole spices like peppercorns and mustard seeds.   
  • Add a splash to cooked foods, like braised kale or collard greens, to draw out their flavor.  
  • Make shrubs or tonics - a shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The result is a sweet, acidic mixer that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of mixed drinks. Also called “drinking vinegars”, shrubs are a great way to consume apple cider vinegar for its health benefits!   
  • Add to water - 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar anytime to help stimulate the digestive tract.  
Better Life Benefits:

The acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar has been shown to elicit several beneficial health effects.   750mg of Acetic Acid* per serving – equivalent to one tablespoon of unflavored apple cider vinegar -- has been found to:  

  • Help control appetite and manage weight gain 
  • Help maintain healthy blood sugar levels 
  • Help maintain healthy cholesterol levels 

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