Apple cider vinegar is vinegar that is made from apple cider/apple juice. You can find it in two versions: filtered (which is usually non-organic) or unfiltered (which is usually organic).
Since there are some differences, many people wonder if one is better than the other one. The truth is that it depends a lot on what you’re planning to do with it.
Filtered apple cider vinegar is created from water and apple juice. The process of filtering it removes the vinegar “mother” along with any other sediment. This leaves you with a clear liquid with an amber tint. In addition, chances are that the filtered vinegar has been pasteurized, which refines/clarifies it more.
On the other hand, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is created from water and apple juice, but is most likely not pasteurized and has not been filtered. Therefore, the vinegar “mother” is still present.
You’ll find that, due to the presence of sediment, unfiltered apple cider vinegar has a cloudy appearance.
Therefore, the only difference between organic and non-organic apple cider vinegar is the “mother,” which is basically a murky collection of acetic acid bacteria and cellulose.
This “mother,” along with the presence of oxygen, is what transforms alcohol into vinegar. So, what affect does this “mother” have on the vinegar and is it really important?
How to Know When You Should Use Which
When it comes down to it, the two are actually interchangeable. Both have a 5% acetic acid level and a mild sweetness (which comes from the apple juice). As mentioned earlier, in many cases, the unfiltered is organic.
Therefore, if you prefer to use raw, less processed, organic ingredients in your kitchen, or if you’re trying to start making your own vinegars, the unfiltered version is best.
Many people actually find that the unfiltered has a bit more apple flavor than the refined, filtered version.
As you can see, the differences between the two types of apple cider vinegar are fairly simple and straightforward.
However, there is much more controversy surrounding the health claims of apple cider vinegar.
There are many people who believe that drinking small amounts of unfiltered apple cider vinegar will decrease cholesterol, prevent heartburn/acid reflux, and even regulate your blood sugar levels (among other things).
On the other hand, there are some who believe that there is no truth to these claims. According to the experts, the truth lies somewhere in between the two extremes.
So, which one should you choose? Well, ultimately, it depends on what you plan to use it for. once again, the unfiltered version has a live “mother,”which you can use to make your own.
In addition, since it has not been filtered, it has not been through so much processing and has a complex flavor.
If you believe the health claims or prefer to use less refined ingredients, then you should choose the unfiltered version.
On the other hand, if you don’t believe the health claims or you really are not concerned about how refined your ingredients are, and you want to save some money, you would be fine with the filtered version.
