Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is a healthful vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. The sugars in the cider are broken down by bacteria and yeast, and are turned into alcohol and then vinegar.

Cooked Apple Cider Vinegar vs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

To maintain the health benefits of the apple cider vinegar (of which there are many, including helping to regulate blood sugar, lowering bad bacteria count, lowering cholesterol, and strengthening digestion), it should be consumed in its raw form.

Raw vinegars are cold-pressed rather than pasteurised. This careful handling of the vinegar protects and maintains all of the live enzymes and nutrients.

If you look at a batch of good apple cider vinegar, you may see sediment at the bottom of the bottle. This is called the “mother of vinegar”. This is desirable as researchers believe the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties mostly come from this sediment.

Of course, you can use raw apple cider vinegar in your cooking, but it’s healing effects will not be nearly as powerful.

Where to Find Apple Cider Vinegar

Good quality apple cider vinegar can be found at most health food stores. Low quality vinegar should never be consumed, as it retains so little of its health benefits. If you do not live near a health food store, you can also buy raw organic apple cider vinegar online. Bragg’s is a reputable brand.

If all else fails, or if you are feeling particularly ambitious, you can always make a batch of your own vinegar quite easily.

Making Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar

All you need is 10 organic apples, 2 glass bowls, and a piece of cheesecloth. Wash the apples well, peel and core them, and cut them up into quarters. Keep them in the open air until they brown. Place them in a glass bowl and cover with water. Cover the bowl with cheesecloth so debris cannot enter, and leave in a warm dark place for 6 months.

After 6 months you will find that there will be a type of grey scum on the top of the liquid – this is all part of the process. Filter all of your liquid through a coffee filter, place in a different bowl and leave this strained liquid to set for another month.

Voila! Homemade raw apple cider vinegar!

Simple Apple Cider Dressing

Many people enjoy drinking raw apple cider vinegar with a little water and maybe with a little honey. But there are many ways to consume this healthful food.

You can easily make a good, versatile salad dressing by combining a few tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar, some tangy fresh squeezed lemon juice, some garlic, and raw tahini. Whisk everything together until it takes on a creamy consistency. Skip the tahini and you will have a basic vinaigrette.

Feel free to play around with adding any fresh herbs or spices, maybe a touch of sea salt to taste.

If you already know of the benefits of raw apple cider vinegar, good for you. Just make sure that the quality that you are ingesting is as high as it can be so that you are getting all of its beneficial properties. If apple cider vinegar is new to your diet, enjoy and spread the word on this helpful raw food! Related Articles:

• Best Salad Dressing Recipes
• Best Vegetables for Dieting
• Foods to Detoxify the Body
• Alcohol Detox at Home
• Raw Food Weight Loss
• Detox Workbook

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