A helpful beginner’s guide to pairing cheese and cider
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Cider making is an age-old tradition with roots dating back to ancient civilizations. Cider, also known as hard cider, is made from the fermented juice of apples and has a rich history that has shaped the beverage we know and love today.
The process of making cider involves pressing apples to extract their juice, which is then fermented using yeast to turn the sugars into alcohol. The resulting cider can range from sweet to dry, and can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for cocktails and other mixed drinks.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history of cider making and explore the different types of cider available, from sweet and fruity to dry and crisp. We’ll also look at the various techniques and traditions involved in cider making, and how these have evolved over time. Whether you’re a cider enthusiast or simply curious about this tasty beverage, this article has something for everyone.
Sweet cider is a type of cider that is made from sweet apples and has a higher sugar content than dry cider. It is typically made by using apples that are not fully ripe, as they have a higher sugar content. Sweet cider can also be made by adding sugar or other sweeteners to the apple juice before fermentation.
Sweet cider is often enjoyed as a refreshing and fruity beverage, and can be served cold or hot depending on personal preference. It is often a popular choice for those who prefer sweeter drinks, and is often used as a base for cocktails and mixed drinks.
One of the key benefits of sweet cider is that it is often easier to make at home than dry cider, as it requires less precise fermentation conditions. It is also a great option for those who are new to cider making, as it is more forgiving and allows for more room for error.
Some popular brands of sweet cider include Woodchuck, Angry Orchard, and Crispin. These ciders can be found at many grocery stores and liquor stores, and are often a popular choice for those looking to try cider for the first time.
In terms of food pairings, sweet cider goes well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, spicy foods, and desserts. It is also a great choice for those looking to mix up their cocktail game, as it can be used as a base for a wide range of sweet and fruity drinks. Overall, sweet cider is a delicious and versatile beverage that is sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
Dry cider is a type of cider that has a lower sugar content and a more crisp and refreshing flavour compared to sweet cider. It is made by using apples that are fully ripe and have a lower sugar content, and is typically fermented for longer periods of time to allow the natural sugars in the apples to fully convert to alcohol. This results in a drier, less sweet cider with a higher alcohol content.
Dry cider is often preferred by those who prefer a more refined and sophisticated taste, and is often compared to wine in terms of its flavour profile. It is a popular choice for those looking to pair cider with food, as its drier and less sweet flavor allows it to complement a wide range of dishes.
Some popular brands of dry cider include Magners, Strongbow, and Blackthorn. These ciders can be found at many supermarkets and liquor stores, and are often a popular choice for those looking to try dry cider for the first time.
Medium-dry cider is a type of cider that falls somewhere between sweet and dry on the flavour spectrum. It is made using a combination of sweet and tart apples, and is fermented for a shorter period of time than dry cider, resulting in a cider that is not as sweet as sweet cider, but not as dry as dry cider.
Medium-dry cider has a balanced and complex flavour profile, and is often a good choice for those who are looking for a cider that is not too sweet, but not too dry. It is also a good choice for those who are looking to try cider for the first time, as it offers a more moderate and approachable flavour profile compared to some of the more extreme sweet or dry ciders.
Here are some popular medium-dry cider brands that are based in the UK:
In addition to sweet, dry, and medium-dry cider, there are a wide range of other types of cider available that offer unique flavours and styles. These ciders can be made using a variety of techniques and ingredients, and offer something for everyone, from the cider connoisseur to the cider newcomer.
One type of cider that has gained popularity in recent years is hopped cider. Hopped cider is made by adding hops, the same ingredient used in beer, to the cider during the fermentation process. This results in a cider that has a refreshing and citrusy flavour, and often has a higher alcohol content than traditional ciders. Hopped ciders are a great choice for those who enjoy the flavour of hops and are looking for something a bit different from traditional ciders.
Another type of cider that has gained popularity is fruit-flavoured cider. These ciders are made by adding fruit flavours to the cider during the fermentation process, resulting in ciders that have a wide range of flavours, from raspberry and strawberry to pear and mango. Fruit ciders are a great choice for those who enjoy sweet and fruity drinks, and are often a popular choice for those who are new to cider.
Barrel-aged cider is another type of cider that has gained popularity in recent years. These ciders are made by aging the cider in wooden barrels, often those that have been used to age other alcoholic beverages like whiskey or wine. This results in a cider with a complex and nuanced flavor profile, and often has a higher alcohol content than traditional ciders. Barrel-aged ciders are a great choice for those who enjoy more refined and sophisticated flavors, and are often a popular choice for those looking to pair cider with food.
As you’ve read, cider comes in a wide range of flavours and styles. From sweet to dry and everything in between, there is a cider out there for everyone. Whether you’re a cider enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Sweet cider is a fruity and refreshing option that is often made from sweet apples and is a great choice for those who prefer sweeter drinks. Dry cider is a crisp and sophisticated option that is made from fully ripe apples and has a lower sugar content. Semi-dry cider is a balanced and complex option that is made from a combination of sweet and tart apples and falls somewhere between sweet and dry on the flavour spectrum.
In addition to these traditional ciders, there are a wide range of other types of cider available that offer unique tastes and textures, including hopped cider, fruit-flavoured cider, and barrel-aged cider. No matter what your personal preferences are, there is a cider out there for you. So go ahead and try something new, and discover the delicious world of cider.
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