One-stop Guide to Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ve probably heard of apple cider vinegar before, and have maybe even seen nutritionists and popular influencers touting the amazing health benefits of this product. But are they speaking the truth? And what is apple cider vinegar, anyway?
The ingredients of apple cider vinegar are fairly self explanatory — apples and vinegar!
People have been using apple cider vinegar for decades to treat a variety of maladies and as a way of boosting your immune system. Generally your supermarket will stock a few different types of apple cider vinegar. Some may be clear (indicating that the substance has been distilled) while others may include a cloudy substance that floats in the liquid. This substance is simply the result of an enzyme reaction and is perfectly safe to consume.
Health benefits of apple cider vinegar
Let’s first take a look at the nutritional content of organic apple cider vinegar.
Despite this, many people tout a wide range of nutritional benefits that can be gained by incorporating a small dose of apple cider vinegar into your diet.
It is said that, apple cider vinegar can:
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Improve digestion
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Decrease blood sugar levels
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Help kill harmful bacteria
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Aid weight loss
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Improve skin health
However, it’s important to know that while apple cider vinegar is safe in small quantities, you should be wary of consuming too much. Given its acidic content, enjoy in moderation!
Apple-y, cider-y, vinegar-y recipes to try!
There are actually many ways that you can enjoy this product, you can take a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning by diluting it with warm water and/or honey. With its rich, vibrant taste, organic apple cider vinegar makes a great addition to many dishes. Try and see for yourself!
Beef and vegetable chili
Is there anything better on a cold winter’s night than a hearty bowl of chili? Serves 8.
Ingredients:
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1 large onion
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1 medium red capsicum
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1 medium green capsicum
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3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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500 g lean mince
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2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp chili powder
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1 tbsp ground cumin
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 can diced tomatoes
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1 ½ cups beef stock
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1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
Method:
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Finely dice the onion, red capsicum, and green capsicum.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan.
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Add the beef to the pan along with a pinch of salt, using a spoon to break the beef up.
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Allow the beef to brown for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the onion, red and green capsicums, and garlic. Cook until softened, for 7 to 8 minutes.
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Add the tomato paste and spices — chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
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Stir well to coat the beef and cook for 2 minutes.
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Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and beef broth.
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Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for around 40 minutes.
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Add one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar.
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Remove from the heat and serve — enjoy!
Apple cider doughnuts
Spice up your cinnamon doughnuts with an added hit of organic apple cider vinegar! Serves 12.
Ingredients:
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2 cups apple cider
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1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
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½ whole flour
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⅔ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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¾ tsp salt
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp cardamom
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp cinnamon
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2 eggs
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6 tbsp butter (melted and cooled)
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Oil
Method:
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Take a small saucepan and bring the apple cider and organic apple cider vinegar to a boil.
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Boil until the mixture has reduced by half — approximately 12 minutes.
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Whisk together the flours, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and spices.
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Take a separate bowl and mix together the eggs, butter, and cooled cider.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until a moist and sticky dough forms.
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Cover the dough and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour.
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Add flour to a clean surface, roll your dough until it is approximately 1.5 centimeters thick and cut using a doughnut cutter.
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Add oil to a deep fryer and heat until it reaches 325℃.
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Fry your doughnuts one at a time for approximately 2–3 minutes each side until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels — enjoy!
As you can see, there’s many ways that you can enjoy apple cider vinegar. If you’re looking to incorporate a daily dose into your diet, just be sure to opt for the organic variety — you’ll be looking after yourself and the environment!