Apple Juice and Apple Cider:
What's the Difference?
Apple juice and apple cider are both
fruit beverages made from apples, but there is a difference between
the two. Fresh cider is raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration
process to remove coarse particles of pulp or sediment. It takes about
one third of a bushel to make a gallon of cider.
To make cider, apples are washed, cut
and ground into a mash that is the consistency of applesauce. Layers
of mash are wrapped in cloth, and put into wooded racks. A hydraulic
press squeezes the layers, and the juice flows into refrigerated tanks.
This juice is bottled as apple cider.
Apple juice is juice that has been
filtered to remove solids and pasteurized so that it will stay fresh
longer. Vacuum sealing and additional filtering extend the shelf life
of the juice.
The flavor of cider depends on the
blending of juice from different apple varieties. The term "flavor"
refers to the palatability of a distinct apple juice flavor and the
aroma that is typical of properly processed apple juice. Cider makers
are most particular about concocting a blend that will create the desired
flavor and produce the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness.
Cider needs constant refrigeration
because it is perishable. It will stay sweet and unfermented for up
to two weeks. Cider can also be frozen, but be sure to pour off an inch
or two from the container for expansion during freezing.A Nutritious
Alternative
Although a glass of cider a day cannot
guarantee good health, the sweet juice is a good source of potassium
and iron. Apple cider is pure and natural with no sugar added. A 6 ounce
glass has only 87 calories. Apple cider, like other juices, fruits and
vegetables contains no cholesterol. Pectin, contained in apple cider,
has been shown to keep serum cholesterol levels down.
Fresh Massachusetts cider can be purchased
at roadside farm stands, local orchards, and many supermarkets. When
you buy locally produced cider, you help local food producers and boost
our economy. So drink up!
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