Making Apple Vinegar

[25 Minutes]

Vinegar, from the French "vin' aigre" meaning sour wine, has many different uses. It is the prime ingredient in the drink called shrub. It is widely used in cooking, as a condiment, and as an odor eliminator. There are also many varieties of vinegar which include distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, cane vinegar, wine vinegars, malt vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. Experiment with apples and learn how apple vinegar is made.

You'll need:

• 2 apples cored • juicer • 2 jars • measuring cup with spout (optional)

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through before you begin.
2. Gather everything you’ll need and always remember science safety.
3. Core the apples.
4. Place them in a juicer and press out the juice.
5. Take both jars, pour half the juice in one, the other half in the other jar.
6. Place one jar in the refrigerator, place the other jar on a shelf in a warm spot.
7. Let them sit for a week.
8. After a week's time, compare the odor and colors of the jars.

Useful information:

The juice in the jar on the shelf changes much more quickly. You may see bubbles and smell alcohol. A thick film will also appear on top. Chemical changes have taken place. Yeasts from the apple skins and the air react with sugar in the apple juice. This reaction produces carbon dioxide and alcohol. The bacteria in the apple juice turns to vinegar. The jar that was in the refrigerator is protected from this reaction.