Apple Scrap Vinegar | A Sustainable Way to Use Apple Leftovers

Hi friends, Megan K. here with a wonderful way to minimize waste while simultaneously having something delicious & homemade that we all use in the kitchen. Apple scrap vinegar, yeah!

Apple scrap vinegar is a versatile, tangy, and sustainable product that can be made from the leftover peels, cores, and scraps of apples. It's an excellent way to minimize waste in the kitchen while creating a homemade, natural vinegar that can be used in salad dressings, marinades, household cleaning, and more. The process of making apple scrap vinegar is simple, but it requires patience and time for fermentation. This article will explain what apple scrap vinegar is, why it’s beneficial, and how to make it at home.

Let’s Get Scrappy…. With Apple Scrap Vinegar

Apple scrap vinegar is a type of vinegar made from the byproducts of apples, typically the peels and cores that are left over after cooking or baking. Instead of throwing these scraps away, you can use them to ferment your own vinegar, just like you would with whole apples or apple juice in traditional apple cider vinegar.

The process relies on natural fermentation, during which the sugars in the apple scraps are broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol. From there, acetic acid bacteria convert the alcohol into vinegar, resulting in a tangy, acidic liquid with the familiar taste and benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Benefits of Making Apple Scrap Vinegar

Reduces Food Waste: One of the main advantages of making apple scrap vinegar is that it helps reduce kitchen waste by using parts of the apple that are typically discarded. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought vinegar.
Budget-Friendly: Using apple scraps, rather than purchasing apples or apple juice specifically for vinegar-making, is a cost-effective way to produce a household staple.
Rich in Nutrients: Like apple cider vinegar, apple scrap vinegar contains vitamins, minerals, and acetic acid, which can offer various health benefits such as aiding digestion, balancing blood sugar levels, and promoting gut health.
Customizable Flavor: Homemade apple scrap vinegar tends to have a more complex flavor profile compared to store-bought versions. You can also customize the taste by adding herbs, spices, or different types of apples.

How to Make Apple Scrap Vinegar

Making apple scrap vinegar at home is easy, but the fermentation process takes several weeks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own batch.

Ingredients:

Apple Scraps (peels, cores, and any other leftover parts)
Filtered Water
Sugar (optional, but helps speed up fermentation)
A Large Glass Jar
Cheesecloth or a Clean Cloth
A Rubber Band or String

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Gather Your Apple Scraps After peeling or coring apples for a recipe, collect the leftover scraps. Make sure the scraps are clean, and remove any bruised or rotting parts, as they could interfere with fermentation.

2. Fill the Jar Place the apple scraps into a clean glass jar, filling it about halfway. The size of the jar depends on how many scraps you have, but a quart-sized jar is usually a good starting point. Don’t pack the scraps too tightly; they need room for the fermentation process.

3. Add Water Pour filtered water over the apple scraps, ensuring that the scraps are completely submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during fermentation.

4. Add Sugar (Optional) While not strictly necessary, adding a tablespoon of sugar to the jar can help jumpstart the fermentation process by providing more food for the natural yeast. Stir the water and sugar to combine.

5. Cover the Jar Place a piece of cheesecloth or a clean cloth over the mouth of the jar, securing it with a rubber band or string. This allows air to circulate while keeping dust, bugs, and debris out.

6. Fermentation Leave the jar in a warm, dark place (around 60-80°F) to ferment. The fermentation process happens in two stages:

First Stage: Over the first week, the natural yeast and bacteria will start to break down the sugars in the apple scraps, turning them into alcohol. During this stage, stir the apple mixture once a day to keep the scraps submerged and to prevent mold from forming.
Second Stage: After about one to two weeks, the alcohol will begin to convert into acetic acid, the main component of vinegar. You’ll notice a sour smell developing. Stir occasionally, and let the mixture continue to ferment for another 2-4 weeks.

7. Strain the Scraps After 3-4 weeks, or once the mixture smells distinctly sour like vinegar, strain out the apple scraps. You’ll be left with a cloudy liquid, which is your vinegar.

8. Ferment Again (Optional) If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the strained liquid sit for another week or two to develop a more intense acidity. Keep it covered with the cloth during this time.

9. Store the Vinegar Once the vinegar has reached your desired flavor, pour it into a clean glass bottle with a lid. It will continue to age and develop more flavor over time. Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, and it will keep for up to a year.

Tips for Success:

Use Organic Apples: Pesticide residue on conventional apples may interfere with fermentation, so it’s best to use organic apples if possible.
Prevent Mold: Stirring daily is crucial to keep the apple scraps submerged. Any scraps exposed to air for long periods may develop mold, which can spoil the vinegar.
Watch for the “Mother”: As your vinegar ferments, you might notice a cloudy, jelly-like substance forming. This is called the “mother” and is a natural byproduct of fermentation, rich in beneficial bacteria. It’s a good sign and can be left in the vinegar or removed if preferred.

Uses for Apple Scrap Vinegar

Once your apple scrap vinegar is ready, there are countless ways to use it:

In the Kitchen: Use it in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. Its slightly fruity flavor can enhance the taste of soups and stews.
For Cleaning: Diluted apple vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner. It can be used to wipe down countertops, clean windows, and even deodorize drains.
As a Health Tonic: Some people drink diluted apple vinegar with water and honey for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting metabolism.
In the Garden: Use apple vinegar to adjust soil pH or as a natural weed killer when mixed with water and a bit of dish soap.

We Love Gettin’ Scrappy

Making apple scrap vinegar at home is a simple and rewarding process that transforms kitchen waste into a valuable product. Not only is it a sustainable practice, but the end result is a versatile vinegar that can be used in cooking, cleaning, and even for personal care. By taking advantage of the scraps that would otherwise be thrown away, you can create something delicious and eco-friendly right in your own kitchen.