Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/7/2007

Question
hy
please tell me that how to make the vinegar of sugar cane.

Answer
Hi Ali;
I just wanted to post a follow up to you.  In your response, you said you were very happy with the information I provided--and I am happy about that.  But you also gave me some very low ratings...4s and 5s.  Did you understand that the rating system is from 1 (very bad) to 10 (Excellent)?

If you really thought my answer was only worth a 4 or a 5, then fair enough.  But if you meant to give me a higher rating, would you please  send an email to experts@about.com that includes the rating you meant to enter, and they will update it.

Thanks!

Paul Wagner

To make vinegar, you need a two-step process.  First you must ferment the sugar cane liquid into alcohol.  That is done with yeast.  If you have the liquid, there is usually enough yeast in the air to make that happen over time, but if you want a better quality, you need to work with a commercial yeast.

Once the yeast has fermented the sugar into alcohol, you then need to introduce aceto-bacteria into it.  Most commercial vinegars are purified, so they won't help you.  You need a vinegar "mother" culture of aceto-bacteria to start the process.  Once you get it going, you can simply add more of the fermented sugar cane liquid to keep it going.  

I am not sure where you can find a vinegar "mother" culture where you live--some some cooking or fermenting supplied houses have them.

Paul Wagner