Discover the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and How to Use It

The Shelf Life of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become an incredibly popular health supplement due to its many purported benefits. But if you have a bottle sitting in your pantry, you may be wondering - how long does unopened apple cider vinegar last? And does apple cider vinegar expire?

Unopened Apple Cider Vinegar

An unopened bottle of apple cider vinegar can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark cupboard and should last pretty much indefinitely if the bottle remains properly sealed. That's because vinegars are acidic with a pH of less than 3, which makes it impossible for microbes like bacteria and mold to grow.

So as long as the cap or lid stays on tight and no oxygen can get in, an unopened bottle of apple cider vinegar will remain usable for many years past any "best by" date that might be printed on the label.

How to Tell if Unopened Apple Cider Vinegar Has Gone Bad

Because apple cider vinegar has an indefinite shelf life, you need to rely on your senses to determine if an unopened bottle has gone bad. Look for the following signs:

• Cloudiness - Fresh apple cider vinegar should look clear or at most have a bit of harmless sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
• Off smell - ACV has a strong acidic smell when fresh. If you detect moldy or rotten odors, it has likely spoiled.
• Change in color - Pure, undiluted apple cider vinegar is light gold or amber. If the color morphs to a dark brown, it has changed chemically and should be discarded.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Need to Be Refrigerated?

Refrigeration is not necessary for an unopened bottle apple cider vinegar. However, some people prefer to store it in the fridge as it can help the vinegar retain maximum potency and flavor. If you choose to refrigerate apple cider vinegar, it's important to note that it may cloud up or form harmless sediment due to components precipitating in the cold temperature.

The Shelf Life of Opened Apple Cider Vinegar

Once opened, apple cider vinegar has a shelf life of about 6 months to a year. This is because exposure to oxygen can allow vinegar to slowly oxidize over time, causing flavor and acidity changes. Additionally, contaminants might be introduced into the vinegar each time you open the bottle.

How to Tell if Opened Apple Cider Vinegar Has Gone Bad

Here are the signs that an opened bottle of ACV has gone bad and should be discarded:

• Visible mold - You may see fuzzy mold growing in the bottle or as spots floating in the liquid. This means it should be thrown out.
• Strange odor - A rancid, rotten, or unpleasant smell means the vinegar is no longer good.
• Low acidity - If the tangy taste of vinegar turns flat or sweet, it has likely spoiled.
• Worm-like strands or blobs- Small vinegar eels sometimes colonize old vinegars. They are harmless but not appealing.

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Opened Apple Cider Vinegar

Here are some tips for getting the longest usable life out of ACV once you've opened it:

• Transfer to the fridge - Chilling helps slow chemical changes.
• Use clean utensils - Contaminants on spoons and measuring cups can introduce bacteria.
• Never return unused portions back into the original bottle.
• Store vinegar in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Wrap strapping tape around the lid for an airtight seal.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Expire or Go Bad?

Yes, apple cider vinegar does eventually expire or go bad but unopened bottles last indefinitely and opened ACV will stay usable for up to a year when stored properly. Over time, even vinegar's powerful acidic qualities won't stop all chemical and flavor changes from occurring.

How quickly apple cider vinegar expires depends primarily on these factors:

• Exposure to air: When oxygen can get at it, flavors and acids break down more rapidly.
• Temperature: Heat accelerates chemical changes while cold slows them down.
• Contaminants: Each time it's exposed by opening the bottle, outside bacteria, mold, or yeast can get into the vinegar and multiply.
• Method of production: Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar retains more nutrients but generally has a shorter shelf life than commercial processed varieties.

So while apple cider vinegar itself doesn't truly expire, at some point the product degrades to a stage we consider it expired or unusable.

What Happens If You Drink Expired Apple Cider Vinegar?

Drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar that has only recently expired and hasn't developed mold or bacteria overgrowth is unlikely to cause harm for most healthy adults. That's because the acetic acid content helps prevent pathogenic microbe growth.

However, severely spoiled, old apple cider vinegar has risks if consumed and is not recommended. It may cause symptoms like:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Headache
• Sore throat

Severe cases could potentially lead to health issues like:

• Food poisoning
• Intestinal infections
• Digestive damage

Apple cider vinegar that has visible signs of mold should never be drunk, as mold toxins can be very dangerous. If you accidentally

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.