What's so special about apple cider vinegar?
We've been bottling our glorious cider vinegar this week and there's a secret ingredient...
Not only does every bottle contain the juice of eight apples, there's also a tiny spoonful of a highly beneficial bacteria present, known to us cider enthusiasts as the ‘Mother'.
The Mother (less charmingly named Mycoderma Aceti) is a harmless but amazing bacteria formed after cider has been fermented.
When cider is exposed to the air, hundreds of naturally occurring bacteria combine to form a white substance – the Mother. These bacteria then produce acetic acid and combine with the cider to become cider vinegar. When extracting the vinegar from our large containers, the Mother can be seen half submerged in the liquid.
Apple cider vinegar has so many uses and is part of a rapidly growing market, thanks to its numerous health benefits. It was even used in Ancient Greece as an antiseptic to treat wounds! Not only is it delicious on salad, it may also be used to:
Help kill pathogens and harmful bacteria
Help boost our immune systems
Support digestion
Help reduce acid reflux by neutralising stomach acid
Act as a natural preservative for food
Help to treat type 2 diabetes
Lower blood sugar levels
Aid weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness as part of a healthy diet
Help to treat conditions associated with dry skin by rebalancing the skin’s pH levels
Restore shine to hair
Treat mild nail infections and exfoliate rough skin on feet
…and many other uses!
The Mother in apple cider vinegar is believed to increase these health benefits, as it is thought to contain natural protein and bacteria that are good for your health.
It must always be taken in moderation, of course, and is usually diluted with water if used for purposes other than cooking. We dilute ours and use it as a cleaning product around the cidery: removing limescale is yet another one of its many talents.
Our wonderfully natural Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) is £5 and can be bought in the cidery or online. Click here to shop now. Remember, it’s powerful stuff so a little goes a long way!