Knowledgebase
Mold on top of homemade cider vinegar #547866
Asked March 19, 2019, 3:52 PM EDT
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
The mold you see on top of the mother is the bloom, indicating that there are tendrils and spores of mold throughout the product, including the liquid vinegar. I would consider this entire product contaminated. Ongoing research indicates that mold is of greater concern than previously believed. I would not recommend any consumption of the vinegar. I am reluctant to recommend it for cleaning purposes because the mold count is unknown, so you may be spreading mold spores as you use it.
The presence of mold could mean that either the mother had already been contaminated or there was not excellent hygiene and cleanliness when preparing and handling the vinegar. Sterilizing containers and making sure all utensils, hands, surfaces are clean will reduce chances of a future contamination. If there is a heavy load of mold in the air, open containers are also likely to be exposed. Keeping the product covered will help. Temperature control also slows or controls some mold growth. 60-80’ seems to be ideal.
Raw apple juice will have mold spores from the environment, there’s no way to avoid this. To reduce the load, scrub apples with a brush, cut away any spoiled portions; removing the stem and blossom ends reduces trapped mold and soil. Bacteria is also of concern with apples. We recommend pasteurizing the juice for drinking.
Here are a couple of resources that may be of interest.
http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/files/192135.pdf
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/ct_index
