Making your own vinegar

Who knew it was so simple to make your own vinegar!  You can make endless combinations of flavoured vinegar by using different fruit and vegetables in the recipe.  It's the sugar in the fruit and vegetables that ferments, so anything with sugars in it will turn the water into vinegar.  It also makes a fantastic gift, make a flavour combination the gift recipient would love and pop the vinegar into a pretty bottle.

First of all you will need a large glass jar or bottle.  This will need to be sterilized, which you can do by pouring boiling water straight out of the kettle into jar or bottle, and let it sit for 5 minutes, then empty you jar.

Next, place the peelings or flesh from fruit or vegetables (both work well) into your jar, and cover with distilled water.  Place any type of porous cloth on top of the jar, and secure in place with a rubber band.

Place the jar in a cool dark place, and be sure to stir it every day to ensure the vinegar ferments evenly.  Leave the vinegar to ferment depending on how string you like it, the longer you leave it (and the more sugar in the fruit/vegetables used), the stronger the vinegar will be.  Once it has reached your desired strength, strain into a glass bottle and store in a cool dry place.

                                                    Image: Herbal Gardens