Go organically alternative with the best apple cider vinegar
As well as for culinary uses, apple cider vinegar has been used as an alternative medicine since the times of Ancient Greece. Anecdotal evidence suggests a diluted mix of this special elixir can help with arthritis, rheumatism, blood pressure and cholesterol issues, and more. From a beauty point of view, it can be used to treat skin problems, to wash hair, to fade age spots, and treat varicose veins. Around the home, you can use apple cider vinegar as an organic cleaning product, and some people even use it as a flea treatment for pets. Want to get some of that apple cider goodness into your life? We've hand-selected the best six solutions available today.
Made from organic Spanish apples
Pipkin Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Pipkin's Apple Cider Vinegar is made from 100% organic apples from Spanish orchards, it is completely unfiltered and unrefined, and contains the all-important mother. This Pipkin Apple Cider Vinegar is particularly noted as being an excellent skin toner. Dry skin problems can be down to potassium deficiency, and organic apples contain loads of potassium. Pipkin recommends mixing one-part vinegar with three parts water to use with cotton wool as a DIY toner. It can also be used for all the other apple cider vinegar uses, including as a culinary ingredient.
Made from organic apples
SuperfoodUK Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
100% organic, this Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is made from organic apples and has a balanced 5% acidity. This vinegar is unfiltered and unpasteurised, so comes complete with the mother and all the enzymes, proteins and bacteria that entails for the health benefits they are reported to offer. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, this is also wheat-free so celiacs can consume it too. While all apple cider vinegars are naturally low in calories, this version has just four per tablespoon.
Made from apples from Kent orchards
Kent Apple Cider Vinegar
Sold in a lovely, traditional cider-shaped glass bottle (no plastic!) this Apple Cider Vinegar is 100% grown and made in the United Kingdom using 100% of the juice from whole apples sourced from Kent orchards — not industry leftovers like some rival products. It's raw, unfiltered, unpasteurised and undiluted. Its dark colour comes from the apple's natural tannins. This is also balanced at 5% acidity, and as it's unfiltered, it also contains the mother and all the associated goodness.
Made from cold pressed organic apple juice
Biona Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
With what's described as a "pure, zingy taste" that makes it an excellent choice for salad dressings and sauces, this Biona option also comes complete with the mother, so can be used for health reasons thanks to the proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria which are said to bring that host of health benefits. Biona's Apple Cider Vinegar is made from 100% cold-pressed organic apple juice. Biona suggests mixing two tablespoons of the product with lemon juice, ground ginger, cinnamon, honey and a dash of cayenne pepper in a glass of warm water as a warming detox tonic.
Made from GMO-free apples
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Made by organic health food pioneers the American family firm Bragg, this is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurised and comes in at that important 5% acidity. Containing the mother, this is certified organic both to the United States and European standards and obviously made from organic apples that are 100% GMO-free. Rich in enzymes and potassium, the Bragg Organic Apple Cider vinegar is particularly feted for promoting digestion and PH balance of your digestive system. It's another product that comes in a glass, not plastic, bottle.
The core of the matter
If you've not tried apple cider vinegar before, then we recommend our overall staff pick, the Kent Apple Cider Vinegar. It's sold in glass bottles shaped like traditional scrumpy cider bottles which not only looks attractive but can be easily recycled, so you're not only helping yourself, you're helping the planet too.
Finally, the Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular product from the United States. This apple cider vinegar is suitable for all the uses we've discussed — culinary, health, beauty and household. Bragg recommends trying its apple cider vinegar sprinkled over popcorn, we're not entirely convinced about this use, but might have to give it a try...
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