Difference Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Cider Vinegar

The main difference between apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar is that apple cider vinegar is the fermented apple juice whereas cider vinegar is a fermented juice of the pressed fruit.

Apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar are two types of fermented fruit juice obtained by pressing. Cider vinegar commonly refers to apple cider vinegar, but it can contain fermented juices from other fruits such as raspberry (called raspberry vinegar) as well.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Apple Cider Vinegar
     – Definition, Production, Importance
2. What is Cider Vinegar
     – Definition, Production, importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Cider Vinegar
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Cider Vinegar
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Acetic Acid, Alcoholic Fermentation, Apple Cider Vinegar, Cider Vinegar

What is Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) refers to fermented apple juice. Production of apple cider includes crushing the apples and squeezing the liquid out of them. Then, the addition of sugar and yeast initiates the alcoholic fermentation process. During this process, the sugar converts to alcohol. The second fermentation process, which follows alcoholic fermentation, further transforms the alcohol into acetic acid or malic acid. It is this acid which gives the sour taste to the vinegar.

Figure 1: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider has many beneficial nutrients. It is rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. It prevents heartburn while aiding digestion.

What is Cider Vinegar

Cider vinegar refers to fermented fruit juice; generally, apple juice. However, other berry juices such as raspberry are also in use, in the production. The production process of cider vinegar from raspberry includes adding vinegar or white wine vinegar to mashed raspberries and covering the mixture for five days. Some people use raspberry cider vinegar to marinade meat and fish and for salad dressing.

Figure 2: Raspberry Cider Vinegar

Other than raspberry, strawberry, mulberry, blackberry, tayberry, rowanberry, blackcurrant or gooseberry juice can also be used in the production of cider vinegar.

Similarities Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Cider Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar are both fermented fruit juice.
• Both have common use in cooking, cleaning, beauty, and skin care.
• Further, the salad dressings, vinaigrette dressings, marinade, and food preservative contain these vinegars.

Difference Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Cider Vinegar

Definition

Apple Cider Vinegar: A fermented apple juice

Cider Vinegar: Any fermented fruit juice

Made of

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple juice

Cider Vinegar: Apple, raspberry, strawberry, mulberry, blackberry, tayberry, rowanberry, blackcurrant or gooseberry juice

Color

Apple Cider Vinegar: Pale to medium amber in color.

Cider Vinegar: Color depends on the fruit used. For example, raspberry cider vinegar is red in color.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is fermented apple juice while cider vinegar can be apple or other fermented fruit juice such as raspberry, strawberry, mulberry, blackberry, tayberry, etc. The main difference between apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar lies in the type of fruits used to prepare the vinegar.

Reference:

1. “How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar at Home | Wellness Mama.” Wellness Mama®, 6 Apr. 2018, Available Here
2. Madalene. “Raspberry Cider Vinegar.” The British Larder, 14 Apr. 2015, Available Here

Image Courtesy: 

1. “Apple cider vinegar” By Phongnguyen1410 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Commons Wikimedia 
2. “Raspberry vinaigrette” By Tricia – Flickr: saladdressing, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Commons Wikimedia