Mold on Vinegar Batch?
About 2-3 months ago I decided to start my own batch of vinegar. I started with some Braggs apple cider vinegar which contains the mother, and I added some old wine and some fruit juice to the mix. I kept it in a dark and warm place, as per instructions online. A few layers of cheesecloth were placed on top to allow it to air, without letting anything else get into it.
When I recently opened it, I found a layer of what appears to be a yellow-orange mold on top. There are also some small worms or maggots living on the top, but that doesn't seem as problematic to me.
As you can (sort of) see in this picture above, there is definitely a mother at the bottom. The mother has grown since I last saw it. I am not sure what to think about that top layer though. Is the vinegar batch completely spoiled?
Picture #2 (a closer look at the top)
Best Answer
Great question.
First off, the mold. This is nothing to worry about, you should be skimming it off but as far as Vinegar creation it's normal and to be expected.
These "worms" have a name :-) Turbatrix Aceti (a.k.a Vinegar Worm) you can read more about them here -> wiki/Turbatrix_aceti
Why is that mold there? Well if you think about the fermentation process. It's just thousands of bacteria 'eating' your 'mother' now they have to produce something as a byproduct which is the mold you see on the top. Get rid of it and leave it to carry on.
If you see a scum forming on top, don’t disturb it; this is the mother. Eventually the mother will sink toward the bottom and continue its work. However if you see mold forming on top, by all means skim that off. Mother isn’t moldy; it’s scummy.
Source: http://www.rural-revolution.com/2013/07/making-fruit-scrap-vinegar.html <- Well worth a read since you're making vinegar :-)
Mold = Bad (Clean it off) Froth = Good (Leave it alone til' it turns to mold.
Question: Is the vinegar batch completely spoiled? Answer: No.
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Quick Answer about "Mold on Vinegar Batch?"
Mold is an indication that the balance of acid to sugar is off; it generally will not form if the balance is correct. In the event that mold presents itself on the apples' surface, skim it off and keep an eye on the jar. If mold develops again, toss the batch and start over—something may be off with the batch.Why did my vinegar mold?
Normal vinegar concentration (usually around 5% acetic acid) is too acidic to grow mold in the vinegar itself. Mold can sometimes grow on the bottle or on the surface of the vinegar. It isn't dangerous and can be wiped/skimmed off. What you are seeing is called the mother.Can a vinegar mother get moldy?
Mold is a rare, though common problem with making vinegar. In some cases mold can grow on the mother of vinegar and in this case, the batch should be discarded. Preventing mold can be done in several ways. First, make sure your vinegar vessel is covered during fermentation.How do you keep homemade vinegar from molding?
Mold will ruin your ACV. To keep the scraps submerged, use a glass weight. Use a folded paper towel or coffee filter to cover the opening of your jar. You want air flow to encourage bacteria growth, so its important not to cover the jar with a lid.What is the stuff growing in my vinegar?
What it is: They may look gross, but these little blobs of goop are what's known as \u201cmother of vinegar\u201d\u2014essentially, they're clumps of the bacteria and yeast combo that turns alcohol into vinegar.Does Vinegar Kill Mold? Watch This Before You Use It...
More answers regarding mold on Vinegar Batch?
Answer 2
I have salvaged both vinegar and kombucha from mild mold by removing what I could, increasing stirring to twice daily and watching it more carefully and removing the very first signs of opaque, white , blue green or furry. I also spray the top with straight vinegar. Once the mixture gets acidic enough the mold won't grow. If it's kombucha you need more starter from your last batch to get the ph down enuf to prevent mold.
Answer 3
I have made several batches of vinegar and have also noticed mold - usually light colored - most dramatically on the raspberry vinegar that I made. If i just leave the mold alone it appears to be consumed or disappears after a little bit. It may just have been the scum that precedes the mother but it always disappears.
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