
Cider has its origins in ancient Britain and France where apple trees grew wild and apples were plentiful. The Romans are credited with developing the first crude cider presses around 600 BC and cidermaking slowly spread throughout Europe. In England during the Middle Ages, every parish had an orchard and cider was widely consumed. In fact, cider was safer to drink than water which often carried diseases. Wealthy landowners in England had extensive cider apple orchards and cidermaking became an important rural industry. Cider came to North America with European colonists in the 17th century. The New England and Mid-Atlantic regions of America became top cider producing areas thanks to ideal climates and soil for growing apples. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Americans consumed more cider than any other drink, including beer and milk. However, the temperance movement of the late 1800s discouraged alcohol consumption and prohibition in the early 1900s nearly wiped out the American cider industry for decades.
Modern Cidermaking Methods Today, artisanal cider production is thriving once more on both sides of the Atlantic. While large commercial brands still dominate the market, small independent cidermakers are innovating and introducing new styles. The basic process of modern cidermaking generally involves these basic steps: 1. Apple Harvest - Cider apples are harvested in fall when fully ripe. Proper varietal and harvest techniques ensure high quality juice. 2. Milling - Apples are washed, sorted, and milled or crushed to extract their juice but leaving behind skins, seeds, and cores. Finer quality ciders avoid excessive oxidation at this stage. 3. Pressing - Apple pomace (crushed apples) are pressed to extract maximum juice yield. Gentler pressing methods preserve delicate juice components. 4. Fermentation - Fresh cider juice is placed in tanks, barrels, or bottles and fermented by ambient or cultured yeasts to produce alcohol and CO2. Fermentation continues for weeks or months depending on style. 5. Maturation - Some ciders are matured further in oak vessels like bourbon barrels to develop additional flavors through oxidation and wood influences. 6. Filtration - Ciders are clarified and stabilized through various filtering techniques to remove yeasts and improve shelf life. Clarity ranges widely by style. 7. Bottling - Finished cider is packaged safely for distribution and sale in bottles, cans, kegs, or other containers. Natural carbonation is retained in bottle-conditioned styles.
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Cider Styles Within the overarching category of cider, many unique styles have emerged that showcase regional and producer influences. Here are a few common cider types: - Dry Cider - Low in residual sugar with a crisp, often tart taste profile. European styles like English and French ciders are typically dry. - Semi-Dry Cider - Moderate residual sugar lends a mild sweetness but retains balance and acidity. Many American craft ciders fall in this category. - Sweet Cider - High in residual sugar for a noticeable sweet flavor. Often associated with mass-produced American brands for year-round consumption. - Ice Cider - Made from super-ripe late harvest apples concentrated into a thick, darkgolden syrup through freezing. Intensely sweet with rum-like notes. - Perry - Similar to cider but uses pears rather than apples as the fruit base. Tends to be lighter and more floral or spiced depending on pear varietal. - Sparkling Cider - Naturally carbonated or bottle-conditioned ciders with fine, long-lasting bubbles reminiscent of champagne. Health Benefits of Cider Increasing research shows that moderate cider consumption may provide notable health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Like other fermented drinks, cider contains probiotic bacteria that support digestive health. The antioxidants found in apples are well-absorbed by the body during fermentation. Studies link compounds in cider to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Moderation is key, but enjoying a refreshing glass of local craft cider offers hydation as well as flavor. With international attention on artisanal ciders, new innovation, and rising health awareness, cider's popularity will surely continue growing in the years ahead. Producers worldwide carefully cultivate old-world traditions alongside exciting new styles that make hard cider a perfect beverage to pair with any meal or social occasion, especially in autumn. After learning about the rich history and makers reviving America's original drink, readers can appreciate this complex beverage even more.
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Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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