Hard roe

Hard cider is a type of alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. It is a popular drink in many parts of the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France. The alcohol content in hard cider can range from 1.2% to 8.5% or more, depending on the variety of apples used and the fermentation process.

History

The history of hard cider dates back to the Roman Empire, when it was a common drink among the Romans. The popularity of hard cider spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and it was brought to North America by the early English settlers. In the United States, hard cider was a popular drink until the late 19th century, when beer became more popular. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of hard cider, with many craft cideries opening up across the country.

Production

The production of hard cider begins with the harvesting of apples. The apples are then crushed and pressed to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented using yeast, which converts the sugars in the juice into alcohol. The fermentation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired flavor profile. After fermentation, the cider is often aged for several months to allow the flavors to develop.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of hard cider, ranging from sweet to dry. The flavor of the cider can be influenced by the variety of apples used, the fermentation process, and the addition of other ingredients such as honey, spices, or other fruits. Some popular varieties of hard cider include scrumpy, which is a traditional English cider that is often cloudy and unfiltered, and Normandy cider, which is a French cider that is typically dry and tart.

Health effects

Like all alcoholic beverages, hard cider should be consumed in moderation. While it is lower in alcohol content than many other types of alcohol, excessive consumption can still lead to health problems such as liver disease and alcoholism. However, when consumed in moderation, hard cider can be a part of a healthy diet. It is a good source of antioxidants, and some studies have suggested that it may have heart health benefits.

See also

• Apple wine
• Perry
• Cider mill
• Cider apple