Making apple cider vinegar at home is a rewarding, once-a-year project best started in the fall when fresh, fragrant apples are at their peak. By using high-quality apples and following a simple fermentation process, you can create a natural, unpasteurized vinegar that will be ready by spring. From beginning to end, this project takes about 6 months, and the result is well worth the wait—a homemade apple cider vinegar rich in natural probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Apple cider vinegar offers a range of health benefits, especially when made at home and kept raw and unfiltered. A major benefit is its ability to support digestion by naturally increasing stomach acid levels, which can be particularly helpful for those with low stomach acid. By lowering the stomach’s pH, apple cider vinegar can make it easier to break down proteins and absorb nutrients, improving overall digestive efficiency.
In addition to digestive support, apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid has been shown to help regulate insulin, contributing to more stable blood sugar levels after meals. Its natural probiotics and antioxidants can also reduce inflammation, balance the body’s pH, and support a healthier gut. Whether taken as a tonic, mixed in water, or incorporated into recipes, this homemade vinegar can be a valuable addition to a health-conscious routine.
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Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe
Prep Time: 10 min | Daily Stirring Time: 14 days (2 weeks) | Primary Fermentation Time: 6 weeks (including stirring) | Secondary Fermentation Time: 4 months
This recipe is designed for one ½-gallon (1.9-liter) jar, which will yield approximately 3–4 cups (0.7–1 liter) of apple cider vinegar. This smaller batch allows you to scale the recipe based on your yearly vinegar consumption by simply multiplying these quantities.
+ 1.5 lbs (700 g) organic apples — approximately 6-7 medium apples
+ ½ cup (100 g) raw cane brown sugar
+ 4 cups (1 liter) filtered water — enough to top off the jar after adding apples
Prepare Apples: Wash and scrub the apples thoroughly, then cut them into chunks.
Assemble Vinegar Mixture: Wash and clean the jar, then fill it about ¾ full with apple chunks. Add sugar, then fill the jar to the top with filtered water. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Cover the jar with a breathable cloth secured by a rubber band and store it in a cool, dark place.
Daily Stirring: Stir the mixture well once a day for the first two weeks to encourage fermentation.
Primary Fermentation: After two weeks of daily stirring, let the jar sit undisturbed for an additional 4 weeks (6 weeks total). Afterward, strain the liquid using a fine strainer lined with cheesecloth to remove apple solids.
Secondary Fermentation: Return the strained liquid to the jar, cover it again with a cloth, and let it ferment undisturbed for an additional 4 months.
Storage: Once fermentation is complete, transfer the vinegar to a sealed bottle and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and acidity.
After 6 weeks of primary fermentation and an additional 4 months of secondary fermentation, you’ll have a flavorful and tangy homemade apple cider vinegar, rich in probiotics and perfect for enhancing your recipes or supporting your health. Enjoy!
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