You can make your own apple cider vinegar using apple scraps! Apples are an autumn staple for delicious baked goods like crumbles and pies--here's how you can turn those leftover skins and cores into a fresh jar of apple cider vinegar!
It's important for your jar to have some access to air or a loosely screwed on lid because the natural yeast present in oxygen is what begins the fermentation process! When your apple scraps are submerged underwater, the yeast will begin to consume the sugars from your mixture to turn it into alcohol. Then, a natural, airborne bacteria group called acetobacter slowly transforms it into acetic acid, or vinegar! This bacteria thrives in dark environments, which is why it's important that you store your jar in a dark, cool place.
The entire process takes between 2-3 weeks and requires that you stir the jar occasionally to activate the fermentation process. The reward for your patience is incredible, since apple cider vinegar has numerous uses and health benefits.
You can use it as an all purpose cleaner, skin toner, digestive aid, natural tooth whitener, shampoo rinse, and even as a salad dressing.
Thank you to volunteer Shekinah Brianna Edwards for this activity idea!