Apple cider has come a long way from its humble beginnings in ancient Rome to its current global fame. It has been liked by people of all ages and walks of life. But what is it about this drink that makes you feel so good? Let’s look into its interesting history, how it’s made, its cultural value, its health benefits, and the latest trends.
past
In ancient times, people learnt how to ferment apples into booze that could be drunk. The Greeks and Romans were among the first people who were known to have drunk apple wine, which is made by smashing fresh apples and letting them ferment naturally. For the next thousand years, cider spread all over Europe, especially in places where apples were grown well, like France, Germany, and Great Britain.
Still, cider really started to shine in the Middle Ages. Agricultural advances like better apple cultivars and better pressing technology made it possible to make drinks on a bigger scale, which meant that more people could drink them. By the 1600s, cider was a well-established part of English culture, especially in country places where it was a cheap alternative to other types of alcohol. Cider stayed a big part of the UK’s culture even as the country changed during the Industrial Revolution. It can be found most in writing, music, and storytelling.
Methods of Making Things
Picking the right kind of apples is the first step in making cider. The process has several steps. Technically, any variety can be used, but Bittersweet, Bittersharp, and Sharp are three that have the right amount of acidity and tannins to make better results. After the apples have been picked and cleaned, they are pressed to get the juice out. In the past, this was done by hand with a tool called a scratter. These days, industrial presses are used quite often.
After this, yeast cells turn sugar molecules into ethanol and carbon dioxide, which is called fermentation. How long cider should be aged will depend on the taste profile that is wanted. It could be a few months to many years. If extra things like honey, spices, or herbs are added, the temperature and time of fermentation, as well as the type of yeast strain used, all affect how the end product tastes.
The aged cider could be put in bottles, filtered, or made clear, depending on the producer’s preference. Some manufacturers choose to make their products as clear as crystal, while others leave grit and other particles in the bottle, which can cause a cloudiness that is sometimes called “natural.” It is also possible to pasteurise or chemically fix the cider to make it last longer and keep its taste.
Meaning in culture
In many places, cider is an important part of the culture and can be seen as a symbol of local identity and traditions. So, in Spain’s Basque Country, drinking “sidra,” a sparkling cider straight from wood barrels, is a very important part of the culture. At traditional “sidrerias,” people sit around long wooden tables while servers dressed in traditional clothes pour cider into goblets from above. This is called “txotx.” In Ireland, on the other hand, people often drink cider while dancing and listening to live music at events like Halloween and Harvest Home.
Also, cider is often mentioned in artistic and literary works; it has inspired many artists, musicians, and writers over the years. William Shakespeare even wrote about cider in Henry IV, Part II. He said that Falstaff would much rather drink cider than expensive French wine. In his song “Adonaïs,” the Romantic artist Percy Bysshe Shelley also talked about cider and how it could bring peace and comfort during hard times.
Benefits for health
Many people drink cider just for fun, but there’s no denying that it’s also good for you in some ways. Apples do contain a lot of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help protect our bodies from oxidative stress and inflammation that are linked to long-term diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Additionally, some research suggests that the flavonoids in apple peel may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.
Approaches of Today
Cider has recently become very popular all over the world. This is because more and more people want handmade drinks made with natural ingredients and eco-friendly methods. In today’s market, many companies are trying out new taste pairings and adding exotic fruits and plants to their recipes. American breweries mix different kinds of apples with peaches, strawberries, and maple syrup, while New Zealand makers mix cides with feijoa, passionfruit, and guava.
Also, companies that care about the environment and want to cut down on waste are interested in eco-friendly packing ideas like kegs and biodegradable bottles. Using low intervention winemaking methods that stress limited change and terroir preservation is another new trend. Another is using wild yeast strains instead of commercial cultures to create unique flavour profiles.
Finish
We’ve seen that cider is more than just a tasty drink; it can tell us about human history, society, and health. From its start as a simple fruit juice to its current status as a huge business, the drink keeps surprising us with new twists and changes. Whether you like your cider sweet, sour, dry, or fizzy, one thing is for sure: it’s always a tasty treat that’s both classic and up-to-date. Fun and games!