Apple cider is a low-alcohol drink that is made from apple juice. The juice is fermented to produce a beverage with an alcohol content usually between 2-6%. Apple cider goes through a fermentation process where the natural sugars in the apple juice are converted into alcohol by yeast. This gives apple cider its bubbly, alcoholic taste while still retaining the apple flavor.
What is Apple Cider?
Apple cider, sometimes referred to as “sweet cider” or simply “cider”, is an unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice. It is made by pressing apples to extract the juice, which is then left to undergo fermentation. The natural yeasts present on apple skins trigger the fermentation process, converting the sugars into alcohol.
During fermentation, the sugars get converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide produces the slight effervescence or bubbles that apple cider is known for. The alcohol content in apple cider ranges between 2-6% ABV (alcohol by volume). This is much lower than other alcoholic drinks like wine or beer.
Apple cider differs from apple juice in that juice is filtered and pasteurized, killing off any yeasts and preventing fermentation. So while apple juice remains non-alcoholic, apple cider contains low levels of alcohol due to the fermentation process.
How is Apple Cider Made?
The production process of apple cider is relatively simple, though care must be taken at each step to ensure proper fermentation and food safety. Here are the basic steps:
1. Apple Harvesting
Cider making begins with selecting and harvesting apples. The best cider apples are bittersweet varieties high in tannins, acids, and sugars. Popular varieties used include Kingston Black, Dabinett, and Yarlington Mill. The apples are harvested by hand or by mechanical tree shakers in the autumn months.
2. Apple Milling
The harvested apples are then scrubbed and rinsed before being milled into a pulp or “pomace.” This breaks down the apples so the juice can be easily extracted. Mills shred, crush, or grind the apples into small chunks with or without the skins, stems, and seeds.
3. Pressing the Apples
The apple pomace is then loaded into a cider press. These presses are either rack-and-cloth, hydraulic, or pneumatic presses that apply pressure to squeeze out the liquid. The extracted juice runs into a collecting pan or vat below the press.
4. Fermenting the Juice
The extracted apple juice is poured into fermentation tanks or casks. The natural yeasts from the apple skins trigger fermentation, converting sugar into alcohol. The cider is left to ferment for 4-16 weeks at cool temperatures between 55-72°F. Specific yeast strains may also be added for consistency.
5. Clarifying and Bottling
Once fully fermented, the cider is clarified by removing sediment and particles through filtration, racking, or fining. This helps stabilize the cider. Finally, the cider is bottled using corks, screw caps, or crowns. It’s ready to drink after about 1-6 months of bottle conditioning.
Differences Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice
While apple cider and apple juice may seem similar, there are a few key differences between the two:
– Alcohol content – Apple cider contains 2-6% alcohol from fermentation, while apple juice does not contain alcohol.
– Clarification – Apple cider is unfiltered and may contain apple sediment. Apple juice is filtered and clear.
– Pasteurization – Apple juice is pasteurized to kill bacteria and yeasts. Apple cider is unpasteurized.
– Sweetness – Apple cider retains its natural tartness. Apple juice often has sugar added.
– Carbonation – The carbonation in apple cider occurs naturally from fermentation. Carbonation is added artificially to many apple juices.
– Flavor – Apple cider has a more complex, fermented flavor profile. Apple juice tastes like fresh apple notes.
– Usage – Apple cider is considered an alcoholic beverage. Apple juice is a non-alcoholic juice.
So in summary, the main distinction is that apple cider undergoes fermentation while apple juice does not.
Apple Cider Nutrition
Apple cider provides many of the same nutritional benefits as apple juice, along with a few additions from the fermentation process. Here are some of the main nutrients found in apple cider:
– Vitamin C – Raw apple cider provides about 4 mg vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant.
– Potassium – Apple cider contains 107mg potassium per 100g, helping support heart health.
– Magnesium – Each 100g provides 5mg magnesium, involved in bone health.
– Vitamin B6 – Fermentation generates vitamin B6, which aids metabolism.
– Probiotics – The yeast in apple cider produces probiotics that support gut health.
– Polyphenols – Up to 200mg polyphenols per 100g provide antioxidants.
– Calories – A 100ml glass provides around 50 calories, mostly from naturally-occurring sugars.
Overall, apple cider supplies a nutritious dose of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants when consumed in moderation. The probiotics are also considered an added health bonus.
Selecting the Best Quality Apple Cider
Not all apple ciders are created equal when it comes to taste and nutrition. Here are a few tips on selecting a high-quality artisanal apple cider:
– Seek out small-batch producers who use traditional methods. This avoids mass-produced commercial ciders.
– Choose unfiltered, unpasteurized ciders for the most flavor and nutrition.
– Check the ingredients list. Cider should contain only apples with no additives or preservatives.
– Opt for organic ciders made from organic apples when possible to reduce pesticide exposure.
– Read the label for added sugars – some commercial ciders add extra sweeteners.
– Select cloudy cider with an amber color for more apple character vs clear filtered ciders.
– Cider aged in oak barrels provides depth of flavor at a premium price point.
– Experiment with single varietal ciders to experience different apple characteristics.
– Ask your local cider producer questions about their cidermaking process. Transparency is positive.
– Check alcohol content based on preference – stronger ciders above 6% ABV have bolder flavor.
Following these tips will help you find a high-quality handcrafted cider and avoid overly processed commercial versions.
How to Enjoy Apple Cider
With its sweet-tart apple flavor and low alcohol content, apple cider is a versatile autumnal drink that can be enjoyed in many ways:
– Drink chilled – For maximum refreshment, chill cider overnight and enjoy directly from the fridge.
– Warm it up – Heating up a mug of cider is perfect for colder weather. Garnish with an apple slice.
– In cocktails – Combine with bourbon, rum, or brandy for a tasty autumn cocktail. Popular versions are cider mules, sangria, and cider margaritas.
– Over ice – Pouring cider over a glass of ice helps dilute the drink for easy sipping.
– With garnishes – Garnish your glass with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries.
– Reduce alcohol – For a lighter drink, dilute with water, lemon-lime soda, or ginger ale.
– Make it boozy – For an extra kick, add a shot of spiced rum or brandy to your glass of cider.
– With baked goods – Apple cider pairs excellently with apple pie and apple turnovers.
– Steam and simmer – Reduce cider by simmering with spices and use to deglaze pans or add to sauces.
– In marinades – The acidity in cider tenderizes meats when used to marinate pork, chicken, or beef.
So don’t limit yourself – get creative and enjoy cider hot, cold, in cocktails, cooking, and more!
Potential Health Benefits
Drinking apple cider in moderation may provide some potential health benefits:
– Antioxidants – Apple cider contains polyphenol antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress contributes to conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological decline.
– Probiotics – The yeast in apple cider produces probiotics or “good bacteria” for the gut. Probiotics support digestive and immune system health.
– Heart health – The potassium in cider helps reduce blood pressure and may support better heart health.
– Weight loss – Studies show apple cider vinegar may promote feelings of fullness and support weight management. This may apply to cider too.
– Anti-diabetic effects – Animal studies found apple cider may reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels, but more research is needed.
– Bone health – The magnesium and other nutrients in apple cider play a role in bone mineralization and strength.
However, more extensive research is still needed to substantiate some of these possible benefits in humans. Always consult your doctor before using apple cider to treat any medical conditions.
Potential Downsides
Apple cider is generally safe to consume but does come with some potential downsides to keep in mind:
– Alcohol content – The 2-6% alcohol can be problematic for children, pregnant women, those taking certain medications, or people with alcohol use disorder.
– High in sugar – Apple cider is high in naturally-occurring sugars, so those with diabetes should use caution and limit intake.
– Acidity – The acidic nature of apple cider may aggravate symptoms for people with digestive issues like ulcers or reflux.
– Unpasteurized risks – Unpasteurized ciders may contain harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella leading to foodborne illness, especially in children, elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
– Drug interactions – The tannins in cider may potentially cause adverse interactions with certain medications. Always check with your doctor.
– Food intolerance – Those with food intolerances or allergies to apples should avoid drinking apple cider.
For most healthy adults, moderate cider consumption should not pose major risks. But it’s wise to drink in moderation and avoid overconsumption. Those with certain medical conditions or on medications should discuss cider with a healthcare provider first.
Apple Cider FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about apple cider:
What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Apple juice is filtered and does not contain alcohol. Apple cider is unfiltered, unpasteurized juice that has undergone fermentation to produce 2-6% alcohol content.
Is apple cider alcoholic?
Yes, apple cider contains alcohol because the natural sugars in apple juice ferment into alcohol. The alcohol content is generally between 2-6%.
Is hard cider the same as apple cider?
No, hard cider tends to have a significantly higher alcohol content, usually 4-6% at minimum. Apple cider contains less than 6% alcohol.
Can kids drink apple cider?
Children over 2 years can have small amounts of apple cider. But it’s best to check with your pediatrician since some doctors recommend avoiding cider for those under 18 years due to the alcohol content.
Does apple cider need to be refrigerated?
Pasteurized apple cider in bottles or jugs is shelf-stable until opened, similar to juice boxes. But unpasteurized cider and any opened cider should be stored in the fridge.
What’s the best apple cider?
The highest quality ciders come from smaller local cideries pressing regional apple varieties. Seek out organic, unfiltered ciders without any concentrates or additives.
Can I freeze apple cider?
Yes, apple cider freezes well for storage. Pour cider into freezer-safe zipper bags or plastic containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw in the fridge before drinking.
How long does apple cider last?
Unpasteurized apple cider will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. After opening, it’s best consumed within 1-2 weeks. Commercially packaged apple cider can last 2-4 months refrigerated.
Is apple cider vinegar the same as apple cider?
No, cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider further to convert the alcohol into acetic acid. So vinegar has no alcohol and a very sour, acidic taste.
Can I substitute apple juice for apple cider?
Not directly. Apple juice lacks the unique flavor from fermentation. For cooking, you can add a teaspoon of white vinegar per cup of juice to mimic cider’s slight acidity.
Conclusion
Apple cider is a classic autumn drink that offers a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy apple flavor with low alcohol content. Choosing a quality artisanal cider and consuming in moderation makes it a smart beverage choice for apple lovers during the fall season. With so many great ways to drink and cook with cider, it can be used to add comfort, flavor, and variety to your diet. So next time you see apple cider pop up in stores or at your local cider house, grab a bottle and enjoy unlocking all of cider’s potential.