Artemisia absinthium: Difference between revisions

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'''Artemisia absinthium''' (commonly known as '''absinthe''', '''wormwood''', or '''grand wormwood''') is a species of [[Artemisia (genus)|Artemisia]] native to temperate regions of [[Eurasia]] and [[Northern Africa]]. It is known for its strong, bitter taste and has been used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring for spirits and wines.
{{Short description|A type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


== Description ==
'''Apple cider vinegar''' (ACV) is a type of [[vinegar]] made from [[fermented]] [[apple]] juice. It is used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys. It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation step, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by [[acetic acid]]-forming bacteria (''Acetobacter'' species). Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste.
Artemisia absinthium is a perennial plant that typically grows to 0.8–1.2 meters (2.6–3.9 ft) in height. The leaves are spirally arranged, greenish-grey above and white below, covered with silky silvery-white trichomes, and bearing minute oil-producing glands.


== Distribution and habitat ==
==Production==
Artemisia absinthium is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and Northern Africa. It is widely naturalized in [[Canada]] and the northern [[United States]]. It grows in a variety of habitats, but is most commonly found on dry, sandy, or rocky slopes.
The production of apple cider vinegar involves two fermentation processes. Initially, apples are crushed to extract the juice, which is then combined with yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol, a process known as alcoholic fermentation. This alcoholic liquid is then exposed to acetic acid bacteria, which convert the alcohol into acetic acid through a process called acetic acid fermentation. The result is a liquid with a high concentration of acetic acid, which gives apple cider vinegar its characteristic sour taste and pungent smell.


== Uses ==
==Uses==
Artemisia absinthium has been used in traditional medicine for its [[antiseptic]], [[antispasmodic]], [[carminative]], and [[tonic]] properties. It is also used as a flavoring for spirits and wines, most notably in the production of [[absinthe]].
Apple cider vinegar is widely used in culinary applications. It is a popular ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and pickling. Its acidic nature makes it an effective preservative, and it is often used in chutneys and other preserved foods.


== Cultivation ==
In addition to its culinary uses, apple cider vinegar is also used in traditional medicine and as a home remedy for various ailments. It is believed to have health benefits, including aiding digestion, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Artemisia absinthium is cultivated as an ornamental plant and is used in traditional medicine. It prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny location.


== Toxicity ==
==Health Effects==
Artemisia absinthium contains [[thujone]], a potentially toxic compound that can cause neurological disorders if consumed in large quantities.
While apple cider vinegar is generally safe for consumption in moderate amounts, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects. The high acidity can erode tooth enamel, irritate the throat, and upset the stomach. It is important to dilute apple cider vinegar before consuming it directly.


== See also ==
==Cultural Significance==
* [[List of Artemisia species]]
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries in various cultures for its purported health benefits. It has been a staple in traditional medicine practices and is often associated with natural and holistic health approaches.
* [[Absinthe]]
* [[Thujone]]


[[Category:Artemisia]]
==Related pages==
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
* [[Vinegar]]
[[Category:Flora of Eurasia]]
* [[Fermentation]]
[[Category:Flora of North Africa]]
* [[Acetic acid]]
{{Flora-stub}}
* [[Apple]]
{{Medicine-stub}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Apple Cider Vinegar (4108653248).jpg|A bottle of apple cider vinegar
</gallery>
 
[[Category:Vinegar]]
[[Category:Fermented foods]]
[[Category:Apple products]]

Revision as of 17:40, 11 February 2025

A type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice



Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It is used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys. It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation step, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (Acetobacter species). Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste.

Production

The production of apple cider vinegar involves two fermentation processes. Initially, apples are crushed to extract the juice, which is then combined with yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol, a process known as alcoholic fermentation. This alcoholic liquid is then exposed to acetic acid bacteria, which convert the alcohol into acetic acid through a process called acetic acid fermentation. The result is a liquid with a high concentration of acetic acid, which gives apple cider vinegar its characteristic sour taste and pungent smell.

Uses

Apple cider vinegar is widely used in culinary applications. It is a popular ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and pickling. Its acidic nature makes it an effective preservative, and it is often used in chutneys and other preserved foods.

In addition to its culinary uses, apple cider vinegar is also used in traditional medicine and as a home remedy for various ailments. It is believed to have health benefits, including aiding digestion, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

Health Effects

While apple cider vinegar is generally safe for consumption in moderate amounts, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects. The high acidity can erode tooth enamel, irritate the throat, and upset the stomach. It is important to dilute apple cider vinegar before consuming it directly.

Cultural Significance

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries in various cultures for its purported health benefits. It has been a staple in traditional medicine practices and is often associated with natural and holistic health approaches.

Related pages

Gallery