Vinegar production

1. Slow methods eg Orleans method --use fermented juices eg Batch method ,Orleans method
2. Quick methods eg. Generator process—use spirits or alcohol directly—eg. generator method

The most common method is Generator method

 Tall oak vats (tank) are filled with vinegar-moistened beech wood shavings, charcoal, or grape
pulp.
 The shavings is inoculated with raw vinegar containing desired Acetic acid bacteria
 The alcoholic product is poured into the top of the vat through sprinkling device which slowly
drips down through the fillings.
( Oxygen enters into the vats through bungholes (holes in barrel) punched into the sides
and bottoms of the vats by air compressors)
 A slimy growth of acetic acid bacteria develops on the shaving which oxidize alcohol to acetic
acid Temerature is controlled around 30 C using cooling coils
 When the alcohol product reaches the bottom of the vat it is converted to vinegar (takes few
days to few weeks ).
 It is poured off from the bottom of the vat into storage tanks.

 The vinegar produced in this method has very high acetic acid content, often as high as 14%, and
must be diluted with water to bring its acetic acid content to a range of 5-6%.