Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
I use two containers to make vinegar. One is a miniature
ceramic water crock that holds a half gallon. It costs $24. The
other is a one-gallon plastic beverage dispenser I picked up at
a department store for $4. Both of these containers have the
essential features, including the spigot. Normal ceramic water
crocks hold 2½ gallons, an amount which may far exceed the
amount of vinegar you plan to make. That's why I got a
miniature ½ gallon crock.
You could go all out and get an oak vinegar cask, but that will
set you back at least $80. If you want your vinegar to be
oak-aged, just add oak cubes to the sealed pint or quart jar
that you are using to age your vinegar.
Cheesecloth and Rubber Bands
These items are used over the mouth of your vinegar crock to
allow oxygen to enter but keep fruit flies and other critters
out. Not all cheesecloth is created equal. The material that is
sold as “cheesecloth” at the supermarket is not suitable for
making cheese, and even doubled or tripled it won't keep fruit
flies out of your vinegar.
Unless you have a good gourmet shop nearby that sells real
cheesecloth, you may have to order it from a supplier of
cheese-making supplies over the Internet. It is a bit expensive
when you include shipping, so I recommend saving on
shipping by ordering a couple of packages. They won't go to
waste because you'll need the cheesecloth for making cheese
in the next chapter.
