The Different Types of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is something that has been used in Japanese cultures for its many holistic benefits and is made from the fermentation of apple juice[1]. The choice of production method can produce different types of apple cider vinegar; filtered/unfiltered, with/without mother, pasteurised/unpasteurised to name a few. For example, our own bespoke apple cider vinegar product is raw, unpasteurised and features ‘the mother’. But what does this all mean and which type of apple cider vinegar is best for you?

Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother

This is one of the most popular types of apple cider vinegar. The mother is produced when the fermentation period of production is extended, allowing for a collection of yeast and acetic acid bacteria [2]. Some brands filter out the mother, however at OSU, we chose to keep the mother in our product. ‘The mother’ is made up of good bacteria (also known as probiotics) [3]. Also, ‘the mother’ contains enzymes which are vital in breaking down food [4]. Mother in apple cider vinegar can be characterised by its cloudy appearance.

Filtered Apple Cider Vinegar

Unlike apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’, filtered apple cider vinegar has gone through a filtering stage to prevent the formation of mother [5]. This type of apple cider vinegar is usually cheaper and is clear/amber-coloured in appearance [6]. Filtered ACV does not contain as many nutrients as other forms of apple cider vinegar.

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar hasn’t been strained or over processed to make a vinegar with more transparency [7]. Because the bacteria isn’t strained out, it continues to ferment. This can result in a change of acidity and taste [8]. Unfiltered ACV is extremely cloudy in appearance.

Unpasteurised Apple Cider Vinegar

Unpasteurised apple cider vinegar hasn’t gone through a pasteurisation stage meaning it has not been heated a high temperature and then quickly cooled [9]. While pasteurisation can help keep the product fresh for longer [10]. The heating process can kill any good bacteria [11]. This makes unpasteurised ACV a popular choice for those seeking maximum effectiveness. Most likely, if ACV is unpasteurised it also comes with ‘the mother’.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Organic apple cider vinegar is certified to be free of chemicals [12]. The appearance of organic ACV varies depending on if it has been filtered or unfiltered.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar has not gone through filtration, pasteurisation, any chemical processes or feature any added flavourings [13]. In other terms: raw ACV is unfiltered, unprocessed and unpasteurised.

Which Apple Cider Vinegar is Best?

While there are many different types of apple cider vinegar, it is best to look for apple cider vinegar products that have combined a few production methods as this maximises the products effectiveness. As mentioned before, our own apple cider vinegar product is raw, unpasteurised and includes the mother. Purchase your own bottle of OSU Apple Cider Vinegar here and kick start your journey.

If you’re finding it hard to start your journey – we encourage you to try our 30-Day Challenge. This challenge embraces making small daily habits that, eventually, will make real long-term difference. Find out more about the 30 Day Challenge here.

References

1. https://www.boots.com/osu-raw-apple-cider-vinegar-500ml-10273946#BVRRContainer
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
3. https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/306804065
4. https://enzymedica.com/blogs/ingredient-science/what-is-the-mother-in-apple-cider-vinegar
5. https://enzymedica.com/blogs/ingredient-science/what-is-the-mother-in-apple-cider-vinegar
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
7. https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/blog/need-know-buying-apple-cider-vinegar/
8. https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/what-is-apple-cider-vinegar
9. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pasteurized_or_unpasteurized_juice_whats_the_difference
10. https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/blog/need-know-buying-apple-cider-vinegar/
11. https://www.dairycouncil.co.uk/consumers/industry/what-is-pasteurisation
12. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/organic
13. https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/blog/need-know-buying-apple-cider-vinegar/