Quality Apple Cider Vinegar on the Cheap

I was faced with a dilemma when I made apple butter and was left with a bucket of peels and cores. Normally I throw them to the chickens and go on my way but I was determined to find another use for them so I went to the internet and found instructions on making apple cider vinegar. Good apple cider vinegar with the mother is expensive so this started my experiment.

I put the peels and cores in the bucket and covered them with distilled water. I added a cup of sugar and a splash of raw apple cider vinegar. Then I covered with cheese cloth and forgot about it. Hoping it was doing its thing but not really knowing what to look for.

Finally after several weeks I uncovered, strained and bottled it. It was gorgeous. Smelled great and was essentially free since it is made with scraps.

 

My second bottle I traded for some pasture raised beef bones to make stock with so not only is it beneficial to make my own but it has barter value as well :-)