This is a quick post to clarify some confusion I have run into from a lot of home fermenters. The rise of the popularity of kombucha has brought the notion of the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast ) to name the thick gelatinous mass that sits on top of kombucha fermentations. Before this the more widely known and … Read More
The deal on light and vinegar (and kombucha) fermentation
Many vinegar makers have asked me about the question of the effect of light on vinegar production. The temperature effects on vinegar production are well known but the effects of light are more subtle. First things first: the typical ambient light in your house does not seriously impair vinegar production. Therefore, there is no need to religiously keep vinegar production … Read More
Long term storage of mother of vinegar
So you’ve made your first batch of homemade vinegar successfully. It smells good, tastes good, and whether you are using it now or aging it for extra flavor, you have a right to be proud of yourself. Now after the first and subsequent batches, the layers of mother of vinegar may begin to pile up in the bottom of your … Read More
Mother of Vinegar: Healthy and Probiotic? A Difficult Question Explored
As a vinegar manufacturer, it is my job to be ‘hip’ on the trends and demand in the market for vinegar, not just in the USA but globally. One of the biggest trends to shake up the vinegar industry in the last 10-15 years is the popularity of raw and unfiltered vinegar, usually with copious amounts of mother of vinegar … Read More
Making Vinegar at Home: The Essential Guide Part I (The Basics)
So, you like vinegar. Not just the store white distilled brand but many types. Or maybe you just love apple cider vinegar and hate the bland tasting store brand. Home made vinegar is a lot like garden grown vegetables: yours always tastes better. There are many reasons that homemade vinegars can be great but a big one is you don’t … Read More
Mama Mia! What is mother of vinegar?
The mother of vinegar is probably the most emblematic and representative feature of traditionally made vinegar. Known for centuries as the precursor to wine, or another alcohol, changing to vinegar. It is mentioned in ancient texts both in the West and the East. However, what is the mother really? What does it mean and how does it promote the … Read More