Production (vinegar)

Vinegar production method

Harcourt Apple Cider Vinegar is made to be the highest quality, 100% pure Apple Cider Vinegar available. It is produced from whole apples, unpasteurised and unfiltered, naturally fermented and matured, with the mother still active in it the vinegar. The mother retained in the vinegar after bottling ensures that the vinegar continues to mature, developing further in flavour.

The traditional cold pressing methods we employ extract a clear juice which negates the need to filter the vinegar at later stages.

Crushing

On being removed from cold storage, the fruit is crushed in a rotary crusher to produce a fine pulp. Crushing the fruit greatly assists with the extraction of the juice from the fruit.

Pressing

Immediately after crushing, the fruit pulp is pumped into a 1 meter diameter press, where it is cold pressed (no additional heat applied) to extract the juice from the pulp. The press subjects the pulp to 830kPa (120 psi) pressure and this ensures almost total juice extraction from the pulp.

Fermentation

After pressing, the raw apple juice is transferred to 5000L tanks where the juice naturally ferments. Fermentation is a natural process where naturally occurring yeasts convert sugars in the juice to alcohol. At this stage, any sediment in the juice settles out so that the end product is very clean and clear from impurities.

Vinegarisation

Once fully fermented, the liquid is then transferred to the vinegarisation tanks where it is introduced to Mother of Vinegar (acetic acid bacteria). This harmless substance turns the alcohol in the fermented juice into acetic acid.

Maturing

After initial vinegarisation has occurred, the young vinegar is transferred to large tanks where it is left for 12 months to mature. During the maturing stage, the apple cider vinegar develops its distinctive flavour.

Selected batches are put aside at this stage for extended maturing for our Vintage vinegar.

Packaging

Our vinegar is then packaged into bottles or bulk containers as required, and then shipped to the customers.

Distribution

Once the orders for the customers have been completed, they are loaded for delivery.

(Click here for Apple Juice production method)