Apple Cider Day is celebrated every year on November 18. This day honors the rich and fruity drink that warms both our hearts and bodies. While it’s said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a glass of apple cider at the end of a long day can refresh the soul. Apple cider is made from freshly picked apples that are mashed into a sauce-like consistency and then pressed to extract juice, which is fermented. The result is the sweet and spicy apple cider, a classic autumn beverage.
History of Apple Cider Day
Apple cider has a long history, dating back to 3,000 B.C. when the Celts in Britain made it from crabapples. Unlike modern cider, this early version was quite bitter because it used small crabapples.
When the Romans invaded England in 55 B.C., they introduced apple cultivation and a new orchard technique. The apples from these orchards were eventually used to make cider.
The Norman invasion of England in 1066 brought acidic cider apples and improved apple-pressing technology, making it easier to extract juice. This helped cider become a popular drink in England and beyond.
During The Little Ice Age, which lasted from the 14th to the 19th centuries, cooler temperatures harmed grape vineyards that needed warmth. Since apples could withstand the colder climate, cider replaced wine as the main alcoholic beverage in Western Europe.
In the 19th century, rising demand led small farmers to sell their orchards to commercial cider producers. These producers expanded their operations and updated cultivation methods to keep up with the increasing market.
By the 1980s, apple cider had gained a reputation as a cheap, rural drink. However, in the 21st century, the Irish company Magners revitalized cider’s image with sleek, modern advertising that portrayed it as a trendy beverage for a younger audience.
| 3,000 B.C. (Celts Make Crabapple Cider) | The Celts in Britain discover cider using nearby crabapple shrubs to make a bitter beverage. |
| 55 B.C. (Roman Invasion of England Introduces Apple Orchards) | The Romans bring apple cultivators and orcharding techniques with them leading to the production of apple cider. |
| 19th (Century The Commercialization of Cider) | Cider is produced in large quantities by big businesses, but its reputation slowly degrades, and is seen as a cheap drink. |
| 21st (Century Apple Cider Rebrands) | The Irish company, Magners, rebrands cider as a modern drink by using sleek-looking advertisements. |
7 Interesting Facts About Apple Cider
- Health Benefits: Apple cider, particularly when consumed raw and unfiltered, can offer health benefits. It contains antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C. Some people also use apple cider vinegar, a byproduct of fermented apple cider, for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and regulating blood sugar levels.
- Cider Might Have Medicinal Properties: In the 19th century, cider was advertised as a remedy for gout.
- 36 Apple Pieces Equal One Gallon: It takes around 36 apples to produce just one gallon of apple cider.
- Cider Baptism Was a Thing: In the 14th century, children were sometimes baptized in cider because it was considered cleaner than water.
- Cider Was Once Safer Than Water: Many early American pilgrims preferred cider over water due to the unsafe, bacteria-laden water sources available.
- Beer Beats Cider in America: Cider’s popularity declined in the early 1900s as beer became more popular in America, introduced by European settlers.
- Production Process: The cider-making process involves pressing apples to extract their juice, which is then fermented by adding yeast. The fermentation process can take several weeks to months, depending on the desired taste and alcohol content. After fermentation, the cider may be aged to develop its flavors before being bottled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple Cider Day on November 18 is a celebration of a beverage with deep historical roots and enduring appeal. From its humble beginnings with crabapples in ancient Britain to its modern resurgence as a stylish and refreshing drink, apple cider has journeyed through centuries, adapting to changing tastes and technologies.
Its rich history reflects the evolving cultural and agricultural landscape, while its numerous health benefits and versatile production process highlight its value beyond just a delightful autumn treat. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, apple cider continues to be a cherished beverage, offering a taste of tradition and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
Frequently Ask Question
When is Apple Cider Day celebrated?
Apple Cider Day is celebrated every year on November 18.
What is apple cider?
Apple cider is a drink made from freshly picked apples that are mashed into a sauce-like consistency, pressed to extract juice, and then fermented. It has a sweet and spicy flavor and is a classic autumn beverage.
What is the production process of apple cider?
The production process involves pressing apples to extract juice, fermenting the juice with yeast, and aging the cider to develop its flavors before bottling. The fermentation process can take several weeks to months, depending on the desired taste and alcohol content.
What are the health benefits of apple cider?
Raw, unfiltered apple cider contains antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C. Apple cider vinegar, a byproduct of apple cider, is also used for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and regulating blood sugar levels.
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