Apple cider has a long history dating back to 400 BC when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used it for its health benefits. Fast forward a couple of thousand years, and apple cider is still being used as a home remedy for many ailments. Believe it or not, there are many benefits of drinking cider. But first things first, let’s start with some definitions.
What is cider?
Cider is a fermented beverage made from apples. The fermentation process converts the sugar in the apples into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Different types of cider can be made depending on the type of apples used and the length of time it’s left to ferment. For example, English cider is made with bittersweet apples and can be either dry or sweet, while French cider is made with sweet apples and is always sweet. In Singapore, we have our own version of cider, which is made with local apples.
Cider production
In order to produce apple cider, the apples need to go through a process of crushing and pressing in order to extract the juice. The juice is then left to ferment with the addition of yeast. Once fermentation is complete, the cider is either bottled or kegged for consumption. Now that we covered the basics, what are the benefits of drinking cider?
The benefits of drinking cider
1. Vitamin C
One of the benefits of drinking cider is that it’s a good source of vitamin C. In fact, one cup of apple cider contains about twice the amount of vitamin C as a fresh apple. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps to boost the immune system and protect the body against infection.
2. Antioxidants
Another benefit of drinking cider is that it’s a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for helping to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to conditions such as cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants in cider can help to neutralize these free radicals and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
3. Weight loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking cider may be able to help. That’s because cider contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Soluble fiber helps to slow down digestion and make you feel fuller for longer. This can help to reduce your overall calorie intake and lead to weight loss over time.
4. Digestive Health
Another benefit of drinking cider is that it can help to improve your digestive health. That’s because the pectin in cider can help to promote regularity and relieve constipation. In addition, the acetic acid in cider can help to kill harmful bacteria in the gut and protect against gastrointestinal infections.
5. Bone health
Drinking cider may also be beneficial for your bones. That’s because cider is a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that plays an important role in bone health. Phosphorus helps to maintain the strength and density of bones and can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
So there you have it, the 5 benefits of drinking cider. If you’re looking for a healthy beverage to add to your diet, give cider a try!
How to make the perfect cider
Now that you know all the benefits of drinking cider, it’s time to learn how to make the perfect drink. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose the right apples.
The first step to making perfect cider is to choose the right apples. As we mentioned before, there are different types of cider made with different types of apples.
2. Crush and press the apples.
Once you’ve chosen the right apples, it’s time to crush and press them in order to extract the juice. This can be done using a juicer or a food processor.
3. Add yeast and let it ferment.
After you’ve extracted the juice from the apples, it’s time to add yeast and let it ferment. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
4. Bottle or keg the cider.
Once fermentation is complete, the cider is ready to be bottled or kegged. If you’re bottling the cider, be sure to use sterile bottles and caps. If you’re kegging the cider, be sure to sterilize the keg before adding the cider.
The different types of cider
There are different types of cider made with different types of apples. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular types of cider:
1. Dry cider
Dry cider is made with a blend of different types of apples, including bittersweet and sharp apples. This type of cider is dry, so don’t expect it to be sweet.
2. Sweet cider
Sweet cider is made with a blend of different types of apples, including sweet apples.
3. Sparkling cider
Sparkling cider is a type of cider that is carbonated, meaning it contains bubbles.
4. Hard cider
Hard cider is alcoholic, meaning it contains alcohol.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar a Cider?
No, apple cider vinegar is not a cider. It is made from cider, but the fermentation process is different. Cider is a type of fermented apple juice, and vinegar is made by fermenting cider with bacteria. This process creates acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the five benefits of drinking cider. If you’re looking for a healthy beverage to add to your diet, give cider a try or check out our article on how to make cider! And don’t forget to check out our guide on how to make the perfect cider. Cheers!
