Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar: A Gut-Loving Tradition

As the crisp autumn air settles in and apples fill the kitchen, there’s no better time to celebrate the tradition of making your own apple cider vinegar. This age-old practice isn’t just a wonderful way to reduce waste and savour the season, it also has meaningful benefits for your digestive health, immunity, and overall vitality.

Homemade apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in enzymes and beneficial bacteria that support gut health. And unlike many commercial versions, it’s free from added preservatives and is wonderfully alive with natural fermentation. Every year, I make a batch, and this month, with a glut of apples, I’ve bottled another.

Here’s how you can make your own nourishing ACV at home 🍂

🧂 Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe (Makes 1 Jar)

Ingredients:

• 6–8 organic apples (remove the stem and any bruised bits, but keep the peel and core)

• 6–8 tsp raw honey or unrefined sugar

• Enough filtered water to cover the apples

Equipment:

• 1 wide-mouth jar, cleaned and sterilised

• Jug

• Clean, soft cotton tea towel

• Piece of muslin

• Sterilised bottle for storing

Method:

1. Wipe each apple clean with a damp cloth, then chop into 6 or 8 pieces.

2. Add the apple pieces to your sterilised jar.

3. In a jug, dissolve the honey or sugar in filtered water, you’re aiming for a taste similar to sweet tea.

4. Pour the sweet water over the apples in the jar until they’re covered.

5. Cover the jar with a clean tea towel secured with an elastic band. Leave it on the kitchen counter for 1 month, stirring occasionally.

6. After a month, strain the contents through a muslin cloth into a clean, sterilised bottle.

7. Leave the strained liquid to ferment at room temperature for another 2–3 weeks. Shake every few days and 'burp' the bottle twice a day.

✅ It’s ready when it tastes like vinegar, slightly tangy, with a gentle sweetness.

🌿 Why It Matters: ACV & Gut Health

Homemade ACV contains a natural source of acetic acid, which may help support:

• Healthy gut bacteria

• Blood sugar regulation

• Digestion of fats

• Immune resilience

While ACV isn't a miracle cure, it’s a lovely tool to weave into your seasonal kitchen routine. Think: salad dressings, digestive tonics, or even a morning wellness shot diluted with warm water and lemon.

If you’re working on gut health, hormonal balance, or managing inflammation, this simple vinegar can be a beautiful addition to your food-first strategy. Want to understand your gut better?

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🍃 Real Food, Real Roots

This homemade recipe is more than a kitchen project, it’s about reconnecting with the rhythms of the season, slowing down, and nourishing your body from the inside out.

Want more personalised support for your gut, hormones, or metabolic health? Whether you're starting fresh or looking to deepen your understanding of nutrition, I’m here to help.

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