What is Hawthorn Vinegar? How to Use Hawthorn Vinegar?

Hawthorn vinegar, one of the natural healing sources, has started to receive the attention it deserves in recent years with the rise of healthy living and natural nutrition trends. This special vinegar obtained from hawthorn fruit is produced using traditional methods. Vinegar, which attracts attention especially with its health benefits, strengthens the body thanks to its rich vitamin and mineral content. It supports the immune system and acts as a protective shield against various diseases. For this reason, hawthorn vinegar has gone beyond being just a flavor element and has become an indispensable part of a healthy life. Hawthorn vinegar, which is widely used both in the kitchen and in the health field, is one of the most effective ways to include the miraculous power of nature into your daily life.

What is Hawthorn Vinegar?

Hawthorn fruit, whose Latin name is Crataegus, is a plant species belonging to the rosacea family. Hawthorn, which grows widely in various regions of Turkey, produces small fruits in yellow, red and orange colors. These fruits are known for their high antioxidant content and have protective properties against various health problems. Hawthorn vinegar is a natural product obtained by fermenting hawthorn fruit. The fermentation process occurs when the natural sugars contained in the fruit are converted by bacteria into alcohol and then into acetic acid. This transformation gives vinegar its characteristic acidic taste and pungent aroma. Hawthorn vinegar usually contains 4-5% acetic acid. In this way, it becomes both a natural preservative and a beneficial substance for health.

It offers many health benefits thanks to the vitamins, minerals and especially powerful antioxidants it contains. Rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and organic acids, hawthorn vinegar is used in various areas such as strengthening the immune system, supporting digestion and protecting heart health. It also contributes to cardiovascular health thanks to its effect on improving blood circulation. In addition to being used as a flavoring ingredient in salads, pickles and various dishes, it also supports body health when diluted with water. In addition, hawthorn vinegar is preferred as a natural product for skin care and hair health. Its natural acidic structure helps the skin look healthier and brighter by regulating the pH balance in the skin.

What are the Benefits of Hawthorn Vinegar?

It attracts attention with its rich nutritional content and positive effects on health. The most important benefit of this vinegar obtained by natural methods is that it contains fermented food. However, thanks to the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants contained in hawthorn fruit, vinegar supports body health in various aspects. Hawthorn vinegar benefits can be listed as follows:

• Supports Heart Health: Hawthorn fruit contains flavonoids that have properties that improve blood circulation. These compounds regulate blood flow by increasing the flexibility of the vessels and help keep high blood pressure under control.
• Improves the Digestive System: The natural acids it contains facilitate digestion by balancing stomach acid. At the same time, since it is a fermented food, it has a regulating effect on the intestinal flora. In this way, it helps prevent digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea. Regular consumption of hawthorn vinegar is considered an effective way to maintain digestive system health.
• Strengthens the Immune System: Thanks to its high vitamin C content, it contributes to strengthening the immune system. With its antioxidant properties, it helps prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. With this feature, it provides a protective effect against diseases such as colds and flu. Additionally, it helps to heal diseases faster by strengthening the body’s defense mechanism.
• Helps Regulate Cholesterol Level: Hawthorn vinegar contains compounds that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Consuming hawthorn vinegar regularly helps keep cholesterol levels within a healthy range.
• Supports Balancing Blood Sugar: The natural ingredients it contains help balance blood sugar. Thanks to its effect on reducing insulin resistance, it may be especially effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• It has antioxidant properties: Hawthorn vinegar contains powerful antioxidants. This feature protects the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It contributes to delaying the signs of aging by providing protection at the cellular level.
• Supports Skin Health: Its natural acidic structure regulates the pH balance in the skin. It helps the skin look healthier, cleaner and brighter. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it can be used as a support for skin problems such as acne and acne, after consulting a doctor.

In addition, it can also be used as a natural detox agent that facilitates the removal of toxins from the body. It helps cleanse the body of toxins by supporting liver functions. With this feature, it provides positive effects such as protecting general body health and increasing energy levels.

How to Make Hawthorn Vinegar?

It can be easily done at home. It is obtained by fermenting hawthorn fruit. However, its construction is a process that requires patience. You can follow the steps below to make hawthorn vinegar:

Materials

• 1 kilogram of ripe hawthorn fruit
• 2 liters of drinking water
• 1 cup natural grape vinegar (to use as a starter)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Large glass jar (3 liter recommended)
• A clean cheesecloth or cloth

First, wash the hawthorn fruits thoroughly and remove the stems. Make sure the fruits are ripe and healthy; Be careful not to use rotten or bruised fruits. After washing, strain the fruits and ensure that the water drains thoroughly. Then place the washed and drained hawthorn berries in a large glass jar. Add drinking water to the fruits, filling about half of the jar. The amount of water should ensure that the berries are completely submerged, but leave some space at the top of the jar.

Add 1 cup of natural grape vinegar to the jar. This vinegar will speed up the fermentation process and enable you to obtain a healthier vinegar. If you want to obtain a slightly sweet vinegar, you can also add 1 tablespoon of honey at this stage. Cover the mouth of the jar with a clean cheesecloth or cloth and secure it with a rubber band. This step will allow the jar to breathe and prevent dust and foreign matter from entering it. Store the jar in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Hawthorn vinegar should be left to mature for at least 4-6 weeks during the fermentation process. During this time, a natural layer may form on top of the vinegar. This layer is known as the “mother of vinegar” and indicates that fermentation is progressing healthily.

After the fermentation process is completed, strain the vinegar into another glass bottle using a clean cheesecloth or thin cloth. Fruit pulp and mother vinegar will be separated at this stage. You can repeat the straining process several times to make the vinegar clear and clean. Let the filtered hawthorn vinegar rest in a closed glass bottle in a cool, dark place for another 1-2 weeks. This time will allow the taste of the vinegar to settle and its flavor to intensify.

What is Hawthorn Vinegar Used for?

It is used in the kitchen to add flavor to various dishes. It enriches the taste of dishes by using it in salads, marinades, pickles and sauces. While it adds a sour flavor to dishes, it also functions as a natural preservative. Thanks to its fermented structure, it helps foods stay fresh for longer. In addition to adding flavor to foods, vinegar is also used as a natural beauty product. When applied as a tonic in skin care, it regulates the pH balance of the skin and gives a healthier and brighter appearance. It may also help prevent acne and pimples. In hair care, it can be used to clean the scalp, reduce dandruff formation and add shine to the hair. It can be diluted with water and applied to the hair after showering.

It is also used as an effective natural cleaner for household cleaning. Thanks to its acidic structure, it can easily remove dirt and oil stains from surfaces. It can be preferred as a cleaning product in a wide range of areas, from kitchen countertops to bathroom tiles. It can also be used to remove bad odors; You can create a natural room freshener by mixing some hawthorn vinegar with water.

How to Use Hawthorn Vinegar?

Hawthorn vinegar can be consumed as a beverage to support healthy living. However, it is recommended to dilute it with water instead of consuming it directly, because the acidic nature of vinegar can harm the stomach. You can also add the unique sour flavor of vinegar to your meals by adding it to salads.