Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient among health buffs and preppers alike because it offers several health benefits. It can also be used to make home remedies for common complaints like a sore throat and stomachaches. Before SHTF, stock up on apple cider vinegar and learn about its five different survival uses.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made in a two-step process that’s similar to how alcohol is made. First, apple cider or crushed apples are exposed to yeast. This ferments the sugars and turns them into alcohol.

Next, bacteria are added to the alcohol solution. This further ferments the alcohol, with the final product turning into acetic acid, the main active compound in vinegar.

Organic, unfiltered ACV contains “mother” or strands of enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and proteins. ACV mother gives the product a murky appearance.

ACV only contains three calories per tablespoon. While ACV doesn’t contain a lot of vitamins or minerals, it does contain traces of potassium. High-quality ACV also contains amino acids and antioxidants.

When SHTF, here are five different ways to use ACV. (h/t to SHTFPlan.com)

Food prep

Use ACV to make simple, flavorful salad dressings if you don’t have fresh lemons.

It can also be used to preserve fruits and vegetables from your home garden. Pickle the fruits or veggies in ACV before using a water bath.

Medicine

Use ACV to soothe a sore throat. Add a couple of teaspoons to a glass of water, mix well, then gargle with the mixture.

To relieve an upset stomach, add two teaspoons of ACV to a cup of water. Mix well before drinking. (Related: 5 More reasons why apple cider vinegar is the prepper’s best-kept secret.)

Natural cleaning solutions

Use ACV as a non-toxic alternative to cleaning products that contain harmful ingredients with many negative side effects. It can be used to:

• Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards
• Cut the grease on pans or other surfaces
• Polish chrome
• Prevent mildew
• Remove pet urine from carpeting
• Remove the smell from washing machines

Pest control

ACV is a non-toxic alternative to weed killer. As a bonus, you can safely use it around pets and your children.

You can even trap fruit flies with ACV. Pour several tablespoons in a Mason jar, then poke several holes in the lid that are large enough for the flies to enter. The smell of ACV will attract flies, but once they enter the jar they’ll be trapped. The flies will eventually die inside the Mason jar. Throw out the mixture and replace as needed.

Pet care

ACV can be used to naturally rid your pets of fleas. Combine one part ACV and one part water in a spray bottle, then mix well. Spray your pet with the mixture to get rid of fleas.

Alternatively, ACV can be used to remove pungent skunk odor from your dog. Spray the ACV and water mixture until the stink goes away, then bathe your pet.

Stock up on ACV and save it for later use. You can use it for various prepping applications even before SHTF. Since ACV has acidic properties, it has an indefinite shelf life.

Sources include:

SHTFPlan.com

Healthline.com