DIY Apple Cider Vinegar: Cheap, Delicious, and Safe to Make at Home

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own apple cider vinegar (ACV) at home. This fragrant, tangy vinegar is not only great in cooking but also popular for its health and beauty benefits, including weight loss support.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is So Popular

Apple cider vinegar has a mild aroma and a pleasantly sour taste. It’s used in a variety of dishes and can also be diluted with water to drink as a weight loss aid. Additionally, it’s widely used in natural skin and hair care routines.

Studies show that taking 1–2 tablespoons (15–30ml) of apple cider vinegar daily can help reduce body weight by about 1.2–1.7kg over 3 months in adults. Simply dilute it in water or use it in salad dressings.

Instead of buying commercial products, you can make ACV at home—it’s simple, affordable, and much safer with no additives.

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Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar From Scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 kg apples

• 1 liter of boiled and cooled (or bottled) water

• 1 small bowl of sugar (rock sugar, brown sugar, or white sugar)

• A clean glass jar for fermentation

Choose firm, fresh apples—either green or red. Avoid large, soft apples as they produce a less flavorful vinegar. Make sure your glass jar is sterilized with boiling water and completely dry before use.

Instructions:

1. Wash the apples thoroughly, soak in salt water, then rinse with clean water. You can peel them or leave the skins on, depending on preference.

2. Cut the apples into small slices and remove the seeds.

3. Layer the apple slices and sugar alternately in the jar.

4. Pour in enough water to fully submerge the apples, but leave some space at the top for fermentation gases to escape.

5. Seal the jar loosely and leave it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place for 2 weeks.

6. During this time, open the lid occasionally to release any gas buildup.

7. After 2 weeks, taste the vinegar. The longer you ferment, the tangier it becomes.

8. Once the flavor is to your liking, strain out the solids and pour the liquid into a clean bottle.

9. Let it sit for another 2 weeks before using.

The finished vinegar should be light yellow, slightly cloudy, with a mildly sour taste and a pleasant aroma.

Method 2: Quick Apple Cider Vinegar Using Rice Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 4 apples

• 200g sugar

• 400ml rice vinegar

Using rice vinegar helps speed up fermentation and enhances the final flavor.

Instructions:

1. Wash the apples, soak them in salt water to remove bacteria, rinse again and let dry.

2. Slice the apples into small pieces and remove the seeds.

3. Layer the apples and sugar in a jar, then pour in the rice vinegar.

4. Close the lid and store the jar in a cool, dry place. Occasionally open it to let gases escape.

5. Once the vinegar turns golden and tastes sour with a pleasant aroma, strain out the solids.

6. Transfer the finished vinegar to a clean bottle and seal tightly.

You can store the vinegar in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. Some natural sediment may settle at the bottom—this is normal and safe. Simply shake the bottle before use.

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Homemade apple cider vinegar is natural, chemical-free, and delicious—perfect for both culinary and wellness purposes!