When we hang out with friends or relax on free evenings, we like to reach for a delicious drink. Recently, cider is gaining more and more popularity, which, due to its delicate taste and not too perceptible note of alcohol, can replace bitter beer or other drinks. Not everyone knows that cider has other beneficial properties in addition to its taste. Although it is alcohol, it is worth touching it from time to time. What for? Let’s check.
What is cider?
Cider, also called cider, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice with added yeast. It does not contain sugar, which makes it different from apple wine. It also has much less alcohol; its content is about 2-7%. It tastes like a delicate fruity beer or champagne, sweet and slightly sour. Cider can be still or carbonated, and bubbles are produced by adding carbon dioxide. In addition, it is not as high in calories as other drinks, 100 ml contains 36 to 42 calories. This is a light, refreshing drink, seems like a good alternative to beer, wine, or other stronger spirits.
Cider is most popular in Great Britain, France and Spain, but recently it has become more and more appreciated in Ukraine. It is available in restaurants, bars and grocery stores, and its price is not as high as it used to be. For quality cider, we will pay about 30 hryvnias for 0.5 liters. It’s great in the summer for its refreshing flavor, and can also be enjoyed for dinner instead of a glass of wine, or added to grilled meats, desserts, and salad dressings. Moreover, it has medicinal properties.
Alcoholic apple cider?
The main ingredient in cider is apples, a rich source of antioxidants. They fight free radicals that accelerate the aging process and contribute to many diseases. Apple pie is made from whole apples, and the peel contains the most antioxidant compounds. The most common flavonoids, phenols and anthocyanins in cider. Antioxidants prevent our skin from aging as quickly as it does serious cell damage. They also inhibit the formation of harmful cancer cells, thereby protecting us from cancer. In addition, they increase the proportion of good cholesterol and reduce bad. Thus, they reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and prevent diseases such as diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants also fight inflammation and are antibacterial. Apple cider also contains potassium, which is beneficial for muscles, prevents muscle spasms and helps maintain normal muscle mass. Also, this element lowers blood pressure, helps control the amount of water in the body and improves the functioning of the nervous system.
How to make homemade cider?
However, we must remember that cider is an alcoholic beverage, therefore, in excessive quantities, it can lead to body failure. Alcohol blocks the production of the pituitary hormone, which is responsible for filtering and absorbing water. He then becomes dehydrated, leading to a hangover. Although cider has a lower glycemic index than other spirits, it should not be used in a weight loss diet. It still has a lot of calories and, like any alcohol, increases appetite. Therefore, it is worth striving for because of its properties, but we must exercise moderation. You can drink 500 ml twice a week.
Some ciders on the market also contain sugar and other additives. So, it’s best to make homemade cider. For this, we need 10 kg of sweet apples and 5 kg of sour apples. We cut them and squeeze juice out of them. Transfer to a large container (e.g. wine) and add yeast. We put it in a warm place and wait 2 weeks for it to ferment. Pour the finished cider into smaller bottles.
