Does Apple Cider Vinegar Go Bad?

Jump to:

• Does Apple Cider Vinegar Expire?
• Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar That Has Expired?
• How Do I Know If Apple Cider Vinegar Has Gone Bad?
• How To Store Apple Cider Vinegar Correctly
• What's That Floating In My Apple Cider Vinegar?
• How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar?
• Best Recipes Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Expire?

How long does apple cider vinegar last? While it doesn't technically expire, it can start to lose its flavor and potency over time which is why it has expiration dates on the bottle.

If you notice that your vinegar doesn't have the same sour taste as it used to, it's probably time to replace it.

It's perfectly fine to store apple cider vinegar in your food storage cupboard for two to five years as it will last many years.

Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar That Has Expired?

We don't recommend using the product after the expiration date. If it's been a few years since you've bought it, it's probably best to just get a new bottle.

Be sure to check the printed expiration date before use as the quality may be degraded. You don't want the taste of raw fermented apples on your food!

How Do I Know If Apple Cider Vinegar Has Gone Bad?

There are a few signs that you should look out for to see if your vinegar has gone bad.

Check The Color

• The first thing you'll notice is that the color has changed. Apple cider vinegar is usually a pale yellow color, but it can turn brown over time.
• If you see that your apple cider vinegar has changed color, it's time to toss it out.
• The same goes for if the liquid is cloudy or has sediment in it. This means the aging process has begun and the old bottle is no good for use.

Check The Smell

• Another sign that your apple cider vinegar has gone bad is the smell.
• If the liquid in the bottle smells sour or vinegary, then it's probably still good to use. However, if it smells fermented then it's time to throw it away.
• Fermentation can take place and if the vinegar has begun to ferment then it will smell like alcohol. This means that the acetic acid has been turned into ethanol and it's no longer best quality or good to consume.

Check The Taste Of The Vinegar

• Of course, the best way to tell if apple cider vinegar has gone bad is by taste.
• If the vinegar tastes sour and vinegary then it's still good to use. However, if it tastes sweet or like alcohol then it's time to toss it out as the aging process aka the fermentation process has begun.
• When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you're not sure if it's still good, it's best to just get a new bottle. after all, you want to use the best quality ingredients in your recipes.

How To Store Apple Cider Vinegar Correctly

• This type of vinegar should be stored in a bottle in a cool and dark place to avoid direct sunlight. It can be stored in the pantry, cupboard, or in the fridge if you prefer.
• If you're going to store the liquid in the fridge, make sure to put it in a dark glass bottle. Vinegar can also be stored in the freezer, just make sure to thaw it out before using it.
• Ensuring the right storage conditions ensures that apple cider vinegar has a good shelf life.
• When stored correctly, apple cider vinegar can last for years. However, you may notice that the liquid starts to change color over time. This is perfectly normal and doesn't mean that it has gone bad.

What's That Floating In My Apple Cider Vinegar?

If you see something floating in your apple cider vinegar, don't panic! It's most likely just harmless sediment that has settled at the bottom of the bottle.

However, if you see black spots or a black substance floating in your vinegar then it's time to get rid of it. These black spots are called "mother" and are made up of bacteria and yeast.

While Mother is not harmful, it can give your vinegar an off-taste. Most people throw away the vinegar if they see Mother floating in it.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

Now that we know how to store apple cider vinegar and how to tell if it's gone bad, let's talk about how to use it.

As we mentioned before, apple cider vinegar can be used in a variety of ways. It's commonly used in salad dressings, on veggies, as a natural cleaning solution, and even as a home remedy.

When using condiments with vinegar, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. The vinegar is very potent and can easily overpower the other flavors in your dish due to the acidic nature of the taste.

Start by adding just a tablespoon or two to your recipe and then taste it before adding more. You can always add more, but you can't take it away once it's been added.

Home Remedy

• If you're using vinegar as a home remedy, there are a few different ways you can use it.
• For example, some people swear by drinking a tablespoon of vinegar in filtered water first thing in the morning to help with digestion.
• Others use it as a natural way to treat heartburn or acid reflux. Simply mix a tablespoon of vinegar with water and drink it when you're feeling the symptoms.
• And last but not least it can also be used topically on the skin to help with various skin conditions like acne.
• To use it topically, just dilute the vinegar with water and apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball.

Cleaning Solutions

• If you're using apple cider vinegar as a cleaning solution, make sure to dilute it with water before using it.
• So, now that you know all about apple cider vinegar, go out and get yourself a bottle! Just don't forget to store it properly so that it stays fresh for years to come.