Apple Cider Vinegar: Austria's Surprising Health Store Essential

Apple cider vinegar is a popular product with a range of purported health benefits. It is produced from regional fruits or fruit juices and is available in organic varieties. In Austria, apple cider vinegar can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon and From Austria, and in physical stores such as Fischerauer and Gegenbauer.

Where to buy apple cider vinegar in Austria

Apple cider vinegar is available in Austria. You can buy it online from the Austrian websites of Fischerauer and From Austria. Fischerauer sells organic apple cider vinegar produced from regional fruits or juice from certified organic farmers or juice producers. Meanwhile, From Austria offers free standard delivery for orders over €49.90 and has a range of Austrian ciders and most (fruit wines) available for purchase.

Apple cider vinegar can also be purchased in-store in Austria. One source mentions that organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can be found in supermarkets in the country. Another source mentions a store in Vienna that specialises in making vinegar, which can be found by searching online.

In addition, apple cider vinegar can be purchased on Amazon.com, which has a page dedicated to Austrian apple cider vinegar.

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is available in Austria, and it has a plethora of health benefits. Firstly, it is high in acetic acid, which is responsible for its strong sour smell and flavour. Acetic acid can help kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, including some strains of bacteria like E. coli. This makes it a good natural preservative for food.

Secondly, apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Several studies have shown that apple cider vinegar consumption can lead to lower blood glucose levels, especially after a meal. This makes it a potentially useful addition to a diabetes treatment plan, although it cannot replace medication.

Thirdly, apple cider vinegar may aid weight loss. Studies have shown that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. One particular study found that participants who consumed apple cider vinegar lost more weight over 12 weeks than those who did not.

Fourthly, apple cider vinegar may improve heart health by positively affecting cholesterol levels. A 2020 review of studies noted that apple cider vinegar may benefit levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Lastly, apple cider vinegar may boost skin health, especially for those with dry skin or eczema. The skin is naturally slightly acidic, but it may be less acidic in people with eczema. Using diluted topical apple cider vinegar may help rebalance the skin's natural pH, improving the protective skin barrier. However, it is important to note that undiluted vinegar can cause skin burns, and some people may experience skin irritation from using apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar recipes

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to soups and even desserts. Here are some ideas for apple cider vinegar recipes to get you started:

Salad Dressings

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a base for salad dressings when combined with olive oil and other ingredients. It adds a tangy flavour to your greens.

Fire Cider

Fire cider is a tangy tonic made with garlic, onion, turmeric, ginger, honey, and spices. Apple cider vinegar is used as the base for this immune-boosting concoction, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.

Pickling

Apple cider vinegar is a natural preservative, so it's perfect for pickling vegetables. You can also use it to make bread and butter pickles.

Marinades and Glazes

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent ingredient for marinades and glazes, adding flavour to meats like pork chops and beef. It can also be used to make a tasty apple cider beef stew.

Drinks

While it's not recommended to drink apple cider vinegar straight due to its potential impact on tooth enamel, you can dilute it with water and add ingredients like lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon to make a tasty tea. You can even add it to homemade kombucha.

Baking

Apple cider vinegar has multiple uses in baking. It can be added to pie crusts for a flaky texture or used to make spreads like apple butter. It's also an essential ingredient in dairy-free cheese alternatives and can be used to create treats like mozzarella sticks or baked feta pasta.

Hair and Skin Care

Apple cider vinegar isn't just for consumption; it can also be used as a natural hair rinse to remove built-up minerals and balance the pH of your hair. Additionally, herbalists and naturalists use it as a facial toner and in other natural beauty remedies.

Apple cider vinegar production

Apple cider vinegar is made from cider and used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys. The production process involves multiple steps, and it can be made at home or on a commercial scale. Here is a detailed guide to apple cider vinegar production:

Ingredients and Preparation

Apple cider vinegar is traditionally made with just one ingredient: fresh-pressed raw apple cider. The apple skins naturally contain the necessary bacteria for fermentation. However, it is important to ensure that the cider does not contain preservatives or other ingredients, as these can inhibit the process.

Primary Fermentation (Alcoholic)

The first step is to pour the apple cider into a fermentation vessel, such as a wide-mouth carboy or a mason jar. This step can be optional, but it helps to control the type of yeast used and prevent unwanted contaminants. The cider is then left at room temperature, and within 24 to 48 hours, it begins to ferment, converting the sugars in the juice into alcohol. This process takes about 7 to 10 days, depending on the desired level of residual sweetness in the final product.

Ending Yeast Fermentation (With Pasteurization)

To stop the yeast from consuming all the sugar, low-temperature pasteurization can be performed. The hard cider is heated to 70°C or 158°F for 15 minutes, which stops the yeast activity while preserving the alcohol content. This step is crucial for achieving the desired balance of sweetness and acidity in the final product.

Secondary Fermentation (Acetic Acid)

The next step is the conversion of alcohol into vinegar, which is done by adding vinegar-producing bacteria. This process requires oxygen, so the hard cider is exposed to air. A cloth or linen cover is placed over the container to keep out dust and fruit flies. This secondary fermentation process is much slower than the first and can take 3 to 6 months at room temperature.

Bottling

Once the vinegar is ready, it can be bottled and stored. It is recommended to strain the vinegar to remove any sediment and store it in airtight containers, such as flip-top Grolsch bottles or mason jars. The vinegar is shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods.

Health Benefits and Uses

Apple cider vinegar has been touted for its health benefits, including improved digestion, weight loss, and reduced blood glucose and lipid levels. However, it is important to note that there is limited clinical evidence supporting these claims. Apple cider vinegar is commonly used in salad dressings, marinades, and food preservation. It can also be diluted and consumed as a tonic, but caution should be exercised due to its high acidity.

Apple cider vinegar vs. white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both called vinegar, but they are not interchangeable. They differ in colour, taste, use, and nutritional value.

The most obvious difference between the two is their colour. White vinegar, also called distilled or spirit vinegar, is clear, whereas apple cider vinegar is brown and often murky. White vinegar is extremely sour compared to other vinegars and is not as versatile. It has a significantly higher acetic acid content than other vinegars, typically containing 4% to 7% acetic acid and 93% to 96% water. It is made from the fermentation of grain alcohol and has an intense, sour taste. It is a great kitchen staple for pickling vegetables, cooking, and baking. White vinegar is also used as a cleaner and disinfectant around the home due to its antimicrobial properties.

Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, has a lower acetic acid content, typically containing 5% to 6% acetic acid and 95% to 94% water. It is made by crushing apples, extracting the liquid, and then going through a two-step fermentation process. It has a smoother and less sour taste, making it a good choice for salad dressings, marinades, and vinaigrettes. Apple cider vinegar also has more nutritional value because it is made from fruit. It can be added to the diet to aid with various conditions, such as weight loss, heart health, and dandruff.

In terms of use, apple cider vinegar is primarily used in the kitchen, while white vinegar is more commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting. Both substances are very acidic and should be used in moderation and always diluted with water.

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