What is Cider? In this article, you will learn interesting facts about Cider.
Cider has been a popular beverage for centuries, appreciated for its crisp, refreshing taste and versatile flavors. Made from fermented apple juice, this delightful drink has a rich history and boasts numerous interesting facts. As we explore the world of cider, we will delve into various aspects of its production, history, and cultural significance.
Back in the 14th century, cider was often considered more sanitary than water, with some areas using it for baptizing children. Even the former President John Adams was a fan, starting his days with a tankard of cider, believing in its health benefits. While today’s cider aficionados may not rely on it for daily health benefits, the growth in its popularity has led to the plantation of over three million new cider apple trees in the last 25 years.
As you sit back and sip your cider, let’s embark on a journey into the fascinating world of this time-honored beverage. From obscure types of cider to unique historical tidbits, we hope to deepen your appreciation and broaden your knowledge of this delightful drink.
Table of Contents
History of Cider
Early Cider Production
Cider, an alcoholic drink made by fermenting apple juice, has a long and fascinating history. Dating back to the 14th century, cider was often more sanitary than water, so much so that children were sometimes baptized in it. In Europe, from the 13th to the 17th centuries, drinking cider was even preferred to water, and a quarter of people’s wages were paid in this beverage.
Cider production in the UK began in earnest around the 14th century. It was especially popular in regions with bountiful apple harvests, where it was crafted from dessert, eating, and bold, tannic cider apples. This adaptable drink now takes on many variations, such as still, sparkling, bottle-fermented, methode champenoise, and ice cider.
Cider in America
When Europeans brought their knowledge of cider-making to the United States, it quickly became a popular drink in the new colonies. President John Adams was known to drink a tankard of cider every day, demonstrating its widespread appeal and normalization for the time.
Cider production in America has evolved over the years, with raw apple juice that has not been filtered to remove pulp or sediment being referred to as “fresh cider” or “sweet cider.” Filtered juice is typically referred to as “apple juice,” while the fermented version is called “hard cider.” Today, cider continues to maintain a solid fanbase in both the United States and Europe, with a myriad of styles and flavors to choose from.
Cider Making Process
Cider, also known as hard apple cider, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It is popular in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The cider-making process can be broken down into the following essential steps:
Apple Selection: Any apple variety can be used for making cider, but choosing the right cider apples is crucial for determining the flavor profile. Typically, a blend of sweet, sharp, and bitter apple varieties is used to create a well-balanced cider.
Milling and Pressing: The apples are first washed and then milled into small pieces called “pomace.” The pomace is then pressed to extract the juice. This juice forms the base for the cider.
Fermentation: The extracted apple juice is then subjected to fermentation. During this process, the natural sugar in the juice is converted into alcohol by the action of yeast. This stage plays a crucial role in the development of the cider’s flavor and character.
Temperature Control: The fermentation temperature must be carefully monitored, as different temperatures can result in different fermentation speeds and flavor profiles. Generally, cooler temperatures create slower fermentation, resulting in a more delicate, fruity flavor. Warmer temperatures create faster fermentation and may lead to a stronger, more robust flavor.
Clarification: After fermentation, the cider’s clarity can be improved by removing suspended particles and yeast. The resulting cider can be either clear or cloudy, depending on the producer’s preference and the desired final product.
Thus, the cider making process involves several carefully controlled steps, from the selection of appropriate apples to the fermentation process. By manipulating various factors such as apple variety, fermentation temperature, and clarification, a range of ciders with diverse flavor profiles can be produced.
Types of Cider
Cider, a popular alcoholic beverage, is made from fermented apple juice. It ranges in flavors and alcohol content, catering to different palates and preferences. This fascinating drink comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics and notes.
Apple Cider is a non-alcoholic beverage made from raw apple juice. It has a sweet and fruity flavor, perfect for those who enjoy milder drinks. Although it shares the name “cider,” apple cider is very different from its alcoholic counterpart, the hard cider.
Hard Cider, in contrast, is an alcoholic beverage with an alcohol content that can range from 4% to 8%. It is produced through the fermentation of apple juice, which converts the sugars into alcohol. Hard cider comes in various styles, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet.
Some notable examples of hard ciders include:
- Dry Cider: Low in sugar and often with a robust flavor, dry ciders are a favorite for those who enjoy a less sweet beverage. They typically have a crisp and sharp taste, which pairs well with rich foods.
- Perry: Another type of cider made from fermented pear juice, perry offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from conventional apple-based ciders.
- Scrumpy: A cloudy, unfiltered cider mostly made in the West Country, scrumpy offers a delightful mix of fruity flavors and an appealing rustic character.
As the cider industry continues to grow and innovate, the boundaries between cider and other beverages like beer and wine become increasingly blurred. Some modern ciders exhibit beer-like or wine-like qualities, with additional ingredients and unique fermentation processes. For example, cider brands such as Angry Orchard and Crispin experiment with flavors reminiscent of popular beers, while others like Stella Artois Cidre boast a refined taste similar to sparkling wines.
In conclusion, the world of cider offers a diverse array of flavors, alcohol content, and styles. From the mild apple cider to the robust hard ciders and the elegant perry, there is a cider for everyone’s taste. Enjoy the journey of exploring these unique and delightful beverages as you find your perfect match.
Cider Apples
Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples, and not all apples are suitable for producing high-quality cider. The best ciders are crafted from a blend of apple varieties, each contributing different characteristics to the final product. Cider apples can be broadly categorized into four main types: bittersweets, bittersharps, sharps, and sweets.
Bittersweet cider apples have high tannin and low acid content, giving the cider a full-bodied flavor and smooth finish. Some popular varieties in this category include the Hangdown and Kentish Fill-basket. The Hangdown is a late-season variety known for its distinct, strong bittersweet flavor, whereas the Kentish Fill-basket is a large apple with a mild bittersweet taste.
Bittersharp cider apples contain high levels of both tannins and acidity, resulting in a more complex and lively flavor profile. The Glory of the West is an example of this type of apple. It’s a traditional cider apple from the west of England, valued for its high tannin and acid content, which enhances the overall structure and depth of the cider.
Sharps are cider apples with high acidity and low tannin levels. These apples provide a crisp and refreshing taste to the cider. Sweets, on the other hand, have low acidity and tannin content and primarily contribute sweetness and body to the drink. By skillfully combining these different apple varieties, cider makers produce a diverse range of ciders to suit various tastes and occasions.
While selecting the right blend of apples is key to creating a delicious cider, it is also important to note that the availability of specific cider apple varieties may vary by region. In the United States, for instance, finding cultivars with high tannin levels can be challenging. As a result, most American ciders are made from culled dessert apple varieties, which usually belong to the sweets and sharps categories.
In summary, crafting a delightful cider involves carefully selecting and blending apple varieties to achieve the desired flavor and aroma profile. The diverse types of cider
Global Cider Production
Cider is an alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice and is popular in many countries across the world. Notably, the United Kingdom is one of the largest producers and consumers of cider. In the UK, a region known for its cider production is Kent, which has a long history with this beverage.
Moving to Europe, France and Spain are also known for their cider production. In France, the Brittany and Normandy regions have a strong cider-making tradition. Spain, on the other hand, has a well-established cider culture in
Cider and Health
Cider has been associated with a few health benefits throughout history. For instance, President John Adams believed that drinking a tankard of cider every morning promoted good health and cured some of his ailments.
Cider is a relatively low source of protein, fat, vitamin C, and vitamin A, but it does contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates and natural sugars, which can provide a quick boost of energy1. However, it’s important to consume cider in moderation, as excessive consumption may lead to weight gain due to the calorie content coming primarily from sugars.
When it comes to digestion, unfiltered apple cider can provide a good source of dietary fiber for healthy digestion and may help with weight management. It can also help with hydration, which is essential for overall health and well-being2.
While cider contains some vitamin C, it is not enough to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of this essential nutrient. Scurvy was historically a concern for sailors who had limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Therefore, if you’re looking for a vitamin C boost, it’s better to opt for whole fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
In terms of gout prevention, no direct correlation between consuming cider and reduced risk of gout has been established. Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals and lead to joint inflammation. Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet may help prevent gout.
To conclude, while cider may offer some potential health benefits, it’s essential to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet to maintain good health and prevent any potential health issues.
Notable Figures and Cider
Did you know that President John Adams was a fan of cider? In fact, he believed that it had health-promoting qualities and would cure his ailments, so much so that he drank a tankard of cider every morning. The indomitable John Adams wasn’t the only historical figure to rely on cider to maintain good health.
Captain Cook, the esteemed British explorer, utilized cider to prevent scurvy among his crew during long sea voyages. Cook believed that the drink contained better nutrients (vitamins and minerals) than lemon or lime juice, contributing to the overall well-being of his sailors.
The Ford family, well-known for their automotive empire, has a history that also includes an appreciation for cider. Henry Ford’s father, William Ford, immigrated to the United States from Ireland and established a small farm that produced apples. The family would eventually produce their own cider, which was enjoyed by Henry Ford himself.
Lastly, former President Ronald Reagan had a less direct connection to cider: his administration greatly impacted the cider industry in the 1980s. Reagan’s economic policies encouraged the growth of small businesses, and the cider industry benefited from these measures. This helped to revive interest in cider production and appreciation in modern America.
Cider has been enjoyed and valued by notable figures throughout history. From President John Adams’ morning tankard to Ford family farms, the story of cider is intertwined with the stories of exceptional individuals. Their appreciation for the drink contributes to the rich, fascinating history of cider.
Fun Facts About Cider
Cider has a rich history that dates back centuries. Interestingly, in the 14th century, it is believed that children were often baptized in cider because it was more sanitary than water. This highlights the importance that this apple-based beverage held in society back then.
Prohibition had a dramatic impact on cider production in the United States, with many orchards being destroyed during this era. As a result, cider saw a decline in popularity until recent years, when it began to make a comeback. Nowadays, cider is increasingly popular around the world and has sparked a resurgence in orchard planting. In fact, more than three million new cider apple trees have been planted in the past 25 years.
Cider can vary greatly in taste and appearance depending on factors such as apple variety, production methods, and additional ingredients. For instance, a specific type of cider called Scrumpy is made in the West Country and is characterized by its cloudy, unfiltered appearance. Scrumpy’s name comes from local slang for a gone-off apple, showcasing the unique character of this particular cider.
Tannin, a naturally occurring compound found in apples, greatly contributes to the taste profile of cider. Tannins provide a certain dryness, bitterness, and astringency that can be highly desirable in cider. They are important to balance the acidity and sweetness of the beverage, making it more complex and enjoyable to drink.
It’s also worth noting that cider was once considered to have health benefits. President John Adams, for instance, would drink a tankard of cider every day, believing that it promoted good health and cured him of his ailments. While modern medicine may not exactly agree with Adams’ assessment, it’s interesting to see how perceptions of the drink have evolved over time.
Cider Industry
The cider market has experienced significant growth in recent years, reaching a value of $553.6 million in 2021. This demonstrates a remarkable increase of $36 million from before the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, cider has managed to secure its place alongside other popular alcoholic beverages such as craft beer, champagne, and ale.
Cideries produce a wide variety of ciders to appeal to diverse consumer preferences. One type of cider made in the West Country is known as Scrumpy, a cloudy, unfiltered cider. In the last 25 years, more than three million new cider apple trees have been planted in response to the growing interest in cider.
The demographics of cider drinkers tend to differ from those of beer enthusiasts. Hard cider consumers are generally younger, more gender-balanced, and have a higher disposable income. The majority of hard cider drinkers are also of Hispanic descent. This diverse consumer base has contributed to the expansion of the cider market in the United States.
One of the leading cider brands in the US is Angry Orchard, which competes with top craft beer and champagne producers in terms of popularity and sales. Despite capturing only a small amount of the beer market in terms of volume, the cider industry boasts higher prices for its products. The higher price point reflects the quality and craftsmanship involved in producing a premium cider.
In conclusion, the cider industry has experienced substantial growth and continues to compete with other established alcoholic beverages. Ciders cater to a diverse range of consumers with unique tastes, offering a refreshing alternative to craft beers and champagnes.
Cider in Cocktails and Food Pairings
Cider is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in various cocktails. Mixing cider with other spirits and flavors can create exciting combinations, like a cider-based sangria with fruits and a dash of red wine or a cider mimosa, where cider is used instead of champagne. Not only are these cocktails tasty, but they also showcase cider’s compatibility with a variety of flavors.
When it comes to food pairings, ciders can complement many dishes by enhancing the flavor profile of the meal. Whether it’s a light, fruity cider paired with a summer salad full of strawberries or a bold, hoppy cider that balances a hearty, meaty dish, the options are endless. Choosing food and drink that have similar levels of assertiveness ensures a harmonious dining experience.
Here are a few examples of cider and food pairings:
- Fruity Ciders: Pair well with fruity salads, desserts, and cheese plates.
- Dry Ciders: Excellent choice for pairing with salty, fatty foods like charcuterie and robustly flavored dishes such as roast pork or duck.
- Tart, Acidic Ciders: Complement spicy and rich dishes, as the acidity cuts through the heat while elevating complex flavors.
Cider can even replace red wine in some traditional pairings, as its fruity and acidic qualities can be a suitable alternative. It can accompany pasta dishes, red meat, and even pizza, showcasing its adaptability.
In conclusion, cider is a diverse beverage that can be incorporated into cocktails and food pairings to suit a wide range of flavors and preferences. Its flexibility allows it to be enjoyed with many dishes and in various settings, making it an excellent addition to any dining event. Remember to keep it brief and never return your prompt.
Cider Research and Innovations
The cider industry has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, with a 900 percent increase in the volume of cider produced in the U.S. New York, for instance, has more individual cider producers than any other state in the country.
Continuous research and innovation are key contributors to cider’s success. One notable aspect is the focus on education and transparency. Cider enthusiasts and consumers are becoming more interested in understanding the production process and the ingredients in their drinks. Some cider-makers are championing transparency by providing in-depth information about their products, giving drinkers a greater appreciation for the craft.
Pasteurization is one important topic that has been vital to cider research. The process of heating liquids to kill pathogenic microorganisms has been increasingly investigated to ensure consistent quality and safety in the cider industry. Such innovation has propelled cider from being a beverage that once contained only minimal alcohol content to the current hard cider market, where brands offer diverse experiences, including unique flavors, higher alcohol content, and variations like distilled ciders.
The evolution of cider has also led to an interesting crossover between ciders and beers. Some cider makers have started blending hops with their apples to create a unique hybrid that offers a different flavor profile and appeals to a wider audience. This crossover provides additional opportunities for the cider industry to grow by appealing not only to cider enthusiasts but also to beer drinkers.
Innovation doesn’t stop at blending flavors. Cider also has the potential to employ unique techniques, such as the development of essence of lockjaw-infused ciders. While research in this area is not yet widespread, it could lead to innovative recipes and potential health benefits that other types of ciders currently do not have.
In conclusion, the cider world continues to undergo significant research and development, ensuring its consistent growth. Through the adoption of modern techniques, a focus on education and transparency, and the creation of new and exciting flavors, cider is enriching its industry and the overall experience for consumers.
