Do you fancy sipping a glass of cider? But do you know the secret behind this popular beverage? Here, you will discover the scientific and historical facts about cider. Plus, learn how to make sure it’s genuine! With 8% alcohol, it’s essential to comprehend the truth about this adored drink.
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Quick facts: Is Cider Legit
✅Cider is now the fastest growing alcohol category in the US, with sales increasing 4.2% in 2019 (Nielsen).
✅54% of US millennials drink cider, making it the most popular alcoholic beverage among this age group (Mintel).
✅Cider is a growing trend in the UK, with sales increasing by 7% in 2018 (Kantar Worldpanel).
✅Cider has a wide range of styles, from dry to sweet and with flavors ranging from traditional apples to more unusual fruit combinations (Brewers Association).
✅The global cider market is expected to reach a value of $52.7 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2020 to 2026 (Mordor Intelligence).
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Introduction
Is cider legit? Yes! Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It’s been around for centuries and is still enjoyed all over the world. The taste, color and body can vary depending on the apples used and other ingredients added during fermentation.
Ciders come in light and strong, sweet and dry varieties. Light and sweet ciders are perfect for those who don’t want something too strong or harsh. Cider’s popularity continues to rise, as more people discover its unique flavor notes. There’s something for everyone with the wide range of flavors and strengths cider has to offer:
- Light ciders
- Strong ciders
- Sweet ciders
- Dry ciders
History of Cider
Cider has been around for ages. It dates all the way back to 10,000 BC! Europe and the Middle East were the first to enjoy this fermented beverage.
- In the UK, cider was produced since Roman times. Wild apples were picked from roadsides and turned into cider. By the 1300s, taverns served nothing more than cider on tap.
- In the US, settlers brought European apples and began producing hard apple cider when they arrived at Plymouth Rock.
Despite prohibition in 1919, cider still kept rising as a favorite adult beverage. Today, it’s a craft beverage served in restaurants and bars across America.
Origin and Early Production
Cider has ancient roots in Egypt and Greece. But, it is thought the Celts and medieval Europeans made it commercially. In the Middle Ages, cider-making advanced from a homemade drink to a traded product. Different countries created ways to make various types of ciders. Methods varied by place. Involved were pressing apples or pears into juice and fermenting it with yeast. Then, it had to mature for a few weeks or months.
The cost of cider was based on the cost of buying/harvesting the fruit and labor for pressing and aging.
Cider in the Modern Era
Cider has experienced a huge rise in popularity recently. This is due to the introduction of craft ciders, which have a variety of flavour options such as honey, cherry, blackberry and apple. Different yeasts can be used to create even more interesting flavour profiles.
The emergence of new cider makers has resulted in more choices for drinkers. The added competition among producers also means ciders are more affordable than regular beer or other alcohol.
Whether you’re savouring a cold cider or using it as an ingredient in recipes, it’s certain that cider is going nowhere in the modern era – with its numerous flavours and great price!
Types of Cider
Cider is a yummy alcoholic beverage. It is made from fermented apple juice and is loved in autumn and winter! There are heaps of types, for example, traditional cider, craft cider, non-alcoholic cider, and hard seltzer ciders.
- Traditional cider has been fermenting for longer, making it complex and yummy with honey and spices. It can be carbonated and taste sweet or dry.
- Craft cider has a shorter fermentation process, so it has fruity or floral flavors.
- Non-alcoholic ciders are made from apples too, but without the alcohol. It tastes like regular cider but without the kick.
- Hard seltzer ciders are like beer, but with extra flavor like blackberry or passionfruit.
Traditional Cider
Traditional cider is made with pressed and fermented apples of different types. Unlike most alcohols, it ferments with natural airborne yeasts, making “spontaneous fermentation” occur. This gives each batch a unique flavor which can’t be made with just adding commercial yeast.
It’s usually light in color and low in hops bitterness. Plus, it usually has residual sweetness to balance out the acidity of the apples. It’s usually between 3%-7% ABV. It can be sparkling or still depending on how it’s bottled or stored after fermentation.
Modern Cider
Modern cider is a beverage that has boomed in popularity recently, though it has been around for centuries. It is made from fermented apples and comes in many flavors, from dry to sweet, fruity types. It is like beer, with an alcohol content ranging from 4-8%.
Making modern cider involves gathering and mashing apples into “must.” This cider must is then fermented with yeast and carbon dioxide.
Cider can be enjoyed a bunch of ways:
- Chilled on its own
- Mixed into craft cocktails
- Cooked up and used in cooking
It’s becoming a popular choice for drinks enthusiasts due to its versatility and flavor range. Whether searching for something light and refreshing on a hot day or something more adventurous for special occasions, modern cider could be the answer!
Hard Cider
Hard Cider is an alcoholic drink made from “eating apples,” which are squeezed, then allowed to ferment. This creates alcohol and carbon dioxide, which give Hard Cider its bubbles and alcohol content. For even more flavor, some makers add herbs, spices, fruits, or beer.
Is Hard Cider a great option? Most people would say yes! It comes in many flavors, and when consumed moderately, it is perfectly healthy. Plus, with more types being produced each year, there’s something for everyone.
Health Benefits of Cider
Cider is a popular alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice. Even though it has alcohol, it is still a great option when it comes to health benefits. Studies suggest that it can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke – due to its high antioxidant content. Also, it is low in calories and sugar compared to other alcoholic drinks. This makes it great for those who want to watch their weight.
Cider can also help reduce inflammation in the body, due to its polyphenols. These are known for reducing inflammation and aiding digestion. Finally, it may help boost immunity. This is because it contains probiotics, which can increase the production of good bacteria in your gut.
Thus, if you want an alcoholic drink with many health benefits yet moderate alcohol content – consider cider!
Nutritional Content
Cider is healthy! Low in calories and fat-free. It does have high sugar content and carbs. But, there’s not much sodium and no added sugars. Vitamins and minerals are minimal, but there may be small amounts of vitamin C and iron.
For a healthier option, craft ciders have lower sugar levels. Plus, they provide fiber and enzymes from fermentation. These may help digestion.
Antioxidants
Cider’s antioxidants—are they worth it?
Yes, cider does have polyphenols. These are natural compounds that can help reduce cell damage and inflammation, as well as promote heart health, and lower blood pressure.
Plus, cider also contains vitamin C and A, which can help protect against oxidative stress.
In summary, cider contains some healthy antioxidants. But, their effects may be less than other drinks like green tea or dark chocolate. So, it’s best to drink cider in moderation, and as part of a balanced diet.
Potential Risks of Cider
Cider is a low-alcohol beverage made from fermented fruit. It’s usually safe, but can be bad for some. The sugar content is high, so it’s not good for weight loss or diabetes. It can contain sulfites and histamines which can cause allergies. Plus, drinking too much can lead to alcohol dependence and other health problems. People under the legal drinking age should not drink it – it impairs judgement. Darker ciders have a higher alcohol content, so drinkers must be aware to make good choices.
Alcohol Content
Do you know the alcohol content of different ciders? Most are made of apples and fermented with yeast. This creates alcohol as a result, usually ranging from 4-7%. Pear cider, however, usually has a higher alcohol content–5-8%.
You may not see ABV (alcohol by volume) on the label, but this info can be found online. This is essential, as too much alcohol can lead to health problems and social issues. Also, check labels for ingredients like sugar, preservatives, and coloring agents which can increase health risks.
Added Sugars
Cider’s sweetness often comes from added sugars. This increases the alcoholic content and adds extra calories. Unfortunately, ciders have more sugar than beers and other drinks. So, if you’re watching your calorie count, it’s best to skip the cider and choose a different drink.
On a positive note, some ciders now use natural sweeteners like honey or agave instead of artificial sweeteners. This makes them tasty and still low in unhealthy sugars.
Conclusion
Cider – it’s everywhere! Sweet or dry, traditional hard cider, sparkling non-alcoholic, craft cider – you name it! Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants and probiotics. So, if you’re looking for a tasty drink, with good health benefits, then give cider a go!
FAQs about: Is Cider Legit
Q: What is cider?
A: Cider is an alcoholic drink made from fermented apples. It is similar to beer but is made from fruit instead of grains.
Q: Is cider legit?
A: Yes, cider is a legitimate alcoholic beverage that is enjoyed around the world. It has been around for centuries and is gaining popularity in recent years.
Q: How is cider different from beer?
A: Cider is made from fermented apples or other fruit, while beer is made from grains such as barley, wheat, or rye. Cider also typically has a sweeter flavor than beer.