From Kitchen Scraps to Farm Solutions: Homemade Apple Scrap Vinegar
- rockpillargrounds
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
Fall on the farm means apples—sliced, simmered, sauced, and baked into everything from butter to cobbler. But what about the peels and cores? At Rock Pillar Grounds, we turn those scraps into something surprisingly powerful: apple scrap vinegar.
Made with nothing more than apple leftovers, water, and a spoonful of sugar, this slow-fermented vinegar is a true homestead workhorse. After a few weeks of bubbling on the counter, it turns into a golden, tangy liquid that’s free from synthetic chemicals and full of purpose. From wiping down counters to freshening chicken water, apple scrap vinegar is a safe, non-toxic staple for the home, garden, and barnyard alike.
Simple to Make
Fill a jar ¾ full with apple scraps (peels and cores from market apples work great), add a sugar-water mix, keeping scraps fully submerged (1 tbsp sugar per cup of water), cover loosely with a cloth or coffee filter, and ferment for 3–6 weeks. That's it!
Uses and Benefits in the Home
Natural Cleaning: Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water for an eco-friendly cleaner. Use it to wipe down countertops, degrease kitchen surfaces, or freshen laundry (add ½ cup to the rinse cycle).
Culinary Magic: Add a splash to salad dressings, marinades, or quick pickles for a zesty, homemade flavor. Try a diluted sip (1–2 tsp in water) for a gut-friendly tonic (consult a doctor first).
Personal Care: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water for a clarifying hair rinse or add to bathwater for soft, soothed skin.
Fruit & Veggie Rinse: A splash in the sink helps remove residue from produce.
In the Garden
Soil Enhancement: Dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar per gallon of water to adjust soil pH for acid-loving crops like strawberries or herbs. Always test soil pH first to avoid over-acidification.
Weed Management: Spray undiluted vinegar on young weeds in gravel paths or between raised beds for a natural herbicide. Be cautious around desired plants, as it’s non-selective.
Pest Control: A diluted spray (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) can deter ants and other pests from garden beds. Reapply after rain for continued effectiveness.
Compost Accelerator: A splash helps kickstart microbial activity.
For Livestock & Chickens
Poultry Support: Add 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water in chicken drinkers to promote gut health and reduce harmful bacteria. The acetic acid may aid digestion, but introduce gradually and consult a vet if unsure.
Livestock Care: For goats or cattle, mix 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water in troughs to encourage hydration and support digestion. Always provide plain water as an option and monitor for reactions.
Fly Spray Base: Combine with herbs and essential oils for a natural livestock spray
Clean Coops and Barns: Use a 1:1 vinegar-water solution to disinfect waterers, feeders, and coop surfaces. It’s a natural, animal-safe way to eliminate odors and grime.
A Resourceful Farm Tradition
Apple scrap vinegar is a perfect example of zero-waste homesteading— turning what would be compost into something useful, shelf-stable, and surprisingly versatile. When we are done making the vinegar, the apple scraps are fed to our chickens for an extra dose of fiber. It’s a perfect project for using local resources and teaching kids about fermentation, food preservation, and the value of every part of the harvest.
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