What would you do, if you wanted your apple cider vinegar to have the same tangy taste and flavor till its last drop?
How will you make sure that whenever you lift the lid off from your Apple cider vinegar bottle, your nostrils are filled with that strong acidic smell?
You might consider getting a special air tight container to store your apple cider vinegar. Or maybe you thought of putting it in the refrigerator after each use.
Refrigerating apple cider vinegar
Putting apple cider vinegar in a fridge will cause a change in its flavor. But this happens only when it is raw cider vinegar. Other processed apple cider vinegar doesn’t seem to cause much of an issue.
However, leaving the vinegar uncapped and out on your kitchen shelf is also not a good idea. Not that it would spoil instantly, but it could be contaminated by dust, bacteria and other tiny contaminants in the air. These little contaminants will surely make the vinegar lose its taste, quality and color very fast and eventually spoil it.
Usually, vinegar is known to be one of the best natural preservatives available. It delays food spoilage. So there is no such need to refrigerate it, unless you like to have your apple cider vinegar cool and icy.
Best way to store apple cider vinegar after it has been opened
So the best possible option to preserve that taste and quality you so much crave for is quite simple. All you need to do is make sure that after every use you seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark and dry place like your pantry or cellar.
The high acidic nature of the vinegar takes care of the rest. It does not let any bacteria grow inside of it. This way it keeps the concentration of the vinegar strong and will save the vinegar from turning bad or becoming a moldy substance till the given expiration date.
How long is apple cider vinegar safe to consume?
Typically it is safe to consume your apple cider vinegar even after its expiration date. The expiration date indicates that the quality of the liquid will be best till the mentioned date, only if properly stored. After the expiration date the quality of the vinegar starts to change. And it wouldn’t give you the same results and taste as before.
So even if you store the vinegar properly as I mentioned. Just make it a habit that you look up the expiration date and also check how it tastes before each use.
Signs of apple cider vinegar going bad
Normally, a fine bottle of apple cider vinegar would taste like apple juice, but a little salty and also sour. It also has certain sharpness to it, when you put it on your tongue or near your nose. So if your apple cider vinegar taste’s like that and smells like apple you don’t have to worry about anything. You can use it however and as much as you like. Even if it has passed by its expiration date. But the day you find it more strong and sour than usual or if doesn’t have the same consistency as before. It looks cloudy and hazy. Then I am afraid its time to let go of it and discard it.
Why you should care about storing your apple cider vinegar properly?
Apple cider vinegar is not just one of your kitchen essentials, which you use for creating that extra and special tinge in your salads and food. Though unproven, apple cider vinegar has many health benefits too. According to many health websites apple cider vinegar is good for sore throat, stomach and skin ailments.
So basically you never know when something like apple cider vinegar comes in handy. And even if it doesn’t, why not just give extra care to something that gives an extra effect to our taste buds.
Although, some people, do really consider storing the apple cider vinegar in the fridge, as the best option. But again it’s up to you to decide that do you want your apple cider vinegar to taste fresh or do you want it to be freezing cold while putting it in your salad? Also ask yourself.
Do you really want to be that person who has to buy a brand new apple cider vinegar bottle every time you wish to use it. Just because you weren’t storing it properly. Or do you want to be someone who just has to open the pantry door and extend a hand to grab that vinegar bottle. The choice is all yours.
So remember if you are if you are an apple cider vinegar lover don’t let it see the sunlight and always keep it in dark be it in your refrigerator, your pantry or your cellar. This is the only way you will preserve your beloved apple cider vinegar.