How ya like them apples?

Every fall we wait anxiously for the liberty apples in the yard on main street to ripen. The apples are excellent due to their exceptional flavor profile that combines a sweet-tart balance with juicy texture. They’re also incredibly hardy and resistant to common apple diseases. We source ours from 12 organically grown trees that were planted in 1986.
We wait anxiously because if we don’t get to them at peak season, the elk and deer most certainly will. We don’t mind sharing, but some years we produce more products than others. At Urban Greens we process apple cider vinegar, apple juice, apple sauce, apple compote, and apple butter. We make apple potpourri and freeze-dried apples as well. And yes, it is also the season of apple pie, and apple fritters around here too.
With our apple cider vinegar we make salad dressings and cleaners. It’s incredibly easy to make, in fact we do it on the counter top in a glass container for several months until its ready to be bottled. It’s fun to watch the process as it happens.

Aged apple cider vinegar being strained and bottled.

What good are apples? Liberty and other organically grown apples, are not only delicious but packed with numerous health benefits. The vibrant red apples are a rich source of dietary source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They are loaded with anti-oxidants such as quercetin and vitamin C, which can boost the immune system and help fight off illness. The natural sugars in the apple provide a quick energy boost without the crash associated with processed sugars.

We love the versatility of liberty apples and take great comfort in knowing they’ve never been treated with chemicals or pesticides. What do you do with your apples?

See recipe below.

Urban Greens recipe for ACV ( Apple cider vinegar)

Making your own small batch of organic apple cider vinegar is a rewarding and straightforward process. Here's a recipe to guide you:

Small Batch Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 organic apples (or apple scraps like peels and cores)

• 1 tablespoon of organic sugar

• Filtered water (enough to cover the apples)

• 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (optional, as a starter)

Equipment

• 1 large glass jar

• Cheesecloth or a clean dish towel

• Rubber band or string

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples:

• Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.

• Chop the apples into small pieces, including the cores. If using scraps, you can skip this step.

1. Mix Ingredients:

• Place the chopped apples or scraps in the glass jar.

• Add the sugar to the jar.

• Pour in enough filtered water to cover the apples completely. Leave about an inch or two of space at the top of the jar.

1. Fermentation:

• If you're using a starter, add the tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to the jar.

• Cover the jar with cheesecloth or a clean dish towel and secure it with a rubber band or string. This allows air to flow while keeping bugs out.

• Store the jar in a dark, warm place (around 60-80°F / 15-27°C) for about 2-4 weeks. Stir the mixture daily to prevent mold from forming on the surface.

1. Strain and Second Fermentation:

• After 2-4 weeks, the mixture should start to smell like vinegar. Strain out the apple pieces using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

• Pour the liquid back into the clean jar and cover it again with the cheesecloth.

• Allow it to ferment for another 3-4 weeks, stirring occasionally. The longer it ferments, the stronger the vinegar will become.

1. Bottle and Store:

• Once the vinegar reaches your desired strength, transfer it to a clean glass bottle with a tight-sealing lid.

• Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place. It will continue to mature and improve with age.

Enjoy your homemade organic apple cider vinegar! It's perfect for salad dressings, marinades, or even as a health tonic. Let us know how it turns out or if you have any questions.