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The Original British Cider Vinegar with ‘The Mother’

Gold awarded to Ostlers by Taste of the West from 2013 to 2022
Three workers at the Ostlers orchard collecting fallen organic apples into bags and large buckets

 

The Original Apple cider vinegar

with ‘the mother’ est 1987

At Ostlers, we discovered the unique health benefits of raw, organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) with ‘The Mother’, way back in the 80’s when our founder first realised it significantly eased his arthritis pain. 

Since then, people everywhere have tapped into the natural, gut-friendly bacteria in ‘The Mother’ –  which forms due to the fact our vinegar is still raw. This means it is still ‘live’, and when it’s grown in the right conditions you will literally see it grow! Our vinegar stays unfiltered and unpasteurised, preserving its healthful qualities.

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Becci, the owner of Ostlers, and family, jumping in the air on a sunny day and showing bottles of organic apple cider vinegar to the camera

Our story & ostlers origin

Ostlers Cider Mill has a rich history that dates back to 1987, when Peter Hartnoll purchased four acres of land in Goodleigh, North Devon. With a vision for quality, he planted a selection of cider apple trees, choosing Mitchelins, Browns, and Debretts—premium varieties renowned for producing some of the finest ciders….

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Black and white photo of Peter Hartnoll, the founder of Ostlers, and two other people using an old apple press for cider and apple cider vinegar
Group of costumed people standing in front of a fire at night to celebrate Wassail at Ostlers Apple Cider Mill

Ostlers Wassail

Here at Ostlers Cider Mill we take pride in celebrating Wassailing every January. Wassailing is an ancient English custom, with traditions rooted in both communal celebrations and orchard blessings, often occurring around Twelfth Night (January 5th or 6th). It involves singing, drinking, and merrymaking, the trees are “waked” and blessed for a good harvest. 

We have local Morris Men, a great band to keep us dancing all night. loads of freshly prepared food and of course, plenty of cider!

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Chef Recipes with Ostlers ACV

Our Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a great secret ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen! We love to pair with our farm-grown or locally sourced, seasonal ingredients/

Explore some of our favourite chef-curated recipes and see how easy it is to elevate your meals with help from ‘Mother’.

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Close photo of a plate of food containing various fried vegetables, green leaves, and a sauce made using Ostlers organic apple cider vinegar

FAQs

What is Cloudy Apple Cider Vinegar?

Cloudy Apple Cider Vinegar is made from fresh, crushed, apples. When mature, it contains a web-like substance, called ‘mother’, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light.

What is the nature of the Mother?

The mother is the dark, cloudy substance in the ACV formed from naturally occurring pectin and apple residues – it appears as molecules of protein connected in strand-like chains. The presence of the mother shows that the best part of the apple has not been destroyed. Vinegars containing the mother contain enzymes and minerals that other vinegars may not contain due to over processing, filtration and overheating.

Is it necessary to add honey to ACV?

It is not necessary to add honey to Apple Cider Vinegar, although honey is recommended because it has proven bioactive properties and contains the vitamins and enzymes necessary for proper digestion and metabolism. It does add health benefits to the ACV cocktail. however, the ACV has plenty of health uses and benefits without the honey.

What, exactly, are the internal and external benefits attributed to Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apples are one of the oldest, most nutritious foods on earth. They are rich in potassium, a mineral many of us are deficient in, and a deficiency that causes old age to creep upon us sooner. Calcium maintains our hard tissues such as bones, and potassium is the equivalent to the body’s soft tissues, keeping the body’s flesh and arteries soft and resilient. Besides being a natural stimulant for vitality, Apple Cider Vinegar cleanses and restores nutrients to the body so that the body can heal itself.

Where can I buy Ostlers Cloudy Apple Cider Vinegar?

You can purchase through the online shop on our website and from local shops. We are also available on 01271 321241 or info@ostlerscidervinegar.com for any questions.

Is Ostlers Cloudy Cider Vinegar suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, Ostlers Cloudy Cider Vinegar is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

What is the acidity level of Ostlers Cloudy Cider Vinegar?

The acidity percentage is 4.6%.

How do I take Ostlers Cloudy Cider Vinegar?

The standard way is to mix two tablespoons in a glass of cold or warm water. Take one glassful first thing in the morning, one during or after lunch and one in the evening. To reduce the sharpness mix with one teaspoon of unblended, pure honey. Many who find the vinegar either upsetting their stomach or not working well; find this mixture the perfect answer. Alternatively, it can also be mixed with a fruit cordial of your liking – just add two tablespoons of vinegar to a glass of cold or warm water.

What is the difference between our Cloudy Cider Vinegar and our Vintage Cider Vinegar?

The difference between the Cloudy and the Vintage Cider Vinegar is the taste; the Vintage is preferred by some chefs, the health benefits for the Cloudy and the Vintage are the same.

Why is ACV not pasteurized?

Pasteurization is the heating process intended to remove potential problem bacteria from consumable liquids such as milk, juices, etc. However, this process will also remove delicate nutrients and enzymes that may constitute a major portion of the food value of that consumable. In the case of raw organic Apple Cider Vinegar, pasteurization would eliminate the ‘mother’, a major health-giving factor of our vinegar.

Is it okay to eat/drink the Mother?

The mother is the most nutritious part of the Apple Cider Vinegar and is very beneficial to digest. Often the ‘mother’ settles to the bottom of the bottle. We recommend shaking the bottle lightly to distribute the ‘mother’ before dispensing.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar need to be refrigerated?

No, it does not need to be refrigerated. However, it is recommended that you keep the product out of direct sunlight and in a relatively cool location.

What is the shelf life of Apple Cider Vinegar?

ACV opened or non-opened has a required ‘official’ shelf life of three to five years after the bottling date, however, experience has shown that the product is safe, usable and effective for an indefinite period if kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool location.