Apple Cider Day 2022: Imagine a crisp autumn day. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp and fresh, and you’re surrounded by the warm, comforting smell of apple cider. That’s what Apple Cider Day is all about! Apple Cider Day is celebrated every year on November 18th. It’s a time to enjoy all things apple cider – from drinking it, to cooking with it, to learning about its history. This year, why not celebrate Apple Cider Day by learning more about this delicious drink? In this blog post, we’ll explore everything from the different types of apple cider to how it’s made. So read on and get ready to celebrate Apple Cider Day in style!
What is Apple Cider?
Apple cider is a type of fruit juice made from apples. The term can refer to either unfermented or fermented apple juice. When unfermented, it is also called sweet cider or soft cider. It is typically opaque, tannic, and slightly astringent, with a natural sweetness that comes from the apples themselves.
When fermented, apple cider becomes hard cider. Hard cider can be still or sparkling, and ranges in alcohol content from 0.5% to 8% ABV. It is typically pale yellow to amber in color, and may be effervescent (sparkling).
Apple cider has been produced in North America since the early Colonial period. Today, it is still made in small batches by many independent producers using traditional methods. In the United States, apple cider is usually available from October through December.
APPLE CIDER DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 18 | Friday |
| 2023 | November 18 | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
The History of Apple Cider
Apple cider has been around for centuries and has a long and storied history. The earliest known reference to apple cider dates back to 55 BC when Julius Caesar wrote about a fermented apple drink that was made in Britain.
Apple cider was brought to North America by European settlers in the 1600s. Cider was an important part of colonial life and was often used as a bartering tool. Apples were plentiful in the colonies, so cider was easy to come by.
Cider continued to be popular in the United States through the 1800s. During this time, many different types of cider were developed, including sparkling cider and hard cider.
Today, apple cider is still enjoyed by many people around the world. It is often made at home using apples from local farms or farmers markets.
How to Make Apple Cider
If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate Apple Cider Day, why not try making your own cider at home? It’s actually quite easy to do, and it’s a great way to use up any extra apples you might have lying around. Here’s how to make apple cider:
1. Start by washing and chopping up your apples. You’ll need about 8 cups of chopped apples for this recipe.
2. Place the chopped apples in a large pot or slow cooker, along with 1 cup of water.
3. Cook the apples on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until they are soft and mushy.
4. Once the apples are cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash them up into a pulp.
5. Place a clean piece of cheesecloth over a bowl or pitcher, and pour the apple pulp mixture over it. Let the cider strain for several hours, or overnight if you have time.
6. Once the cider has finished straining, transfer it to bottles or jars and enjoy! You can store leftover cider in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Types of Apple Cider
There are two types of apple cider: sweet and hard. Sweet cider is made from apples that are ripened and then crushed. The juice is then left to ferment for a short period of time, typically around two weeks. Hard cider is made from apples that are fermented for a longer period of time, typically around four weeks. This results in a more alcoholic beverage.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples. It’s rich in acetic acid, which has been shown to have health benefits.
In general, consuming foods and beverages that contain acetic acid may help promote weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, apple cider vinegar may help improve skin health and digestion.
Here are some specific ways that apple cider vinegar can benefit your health:
Weight Loss: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has been shown to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. One study showed that participants who consumed 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks lost more weight than those who didn’t consume any vinegar (1).
Blood Sugar Control: Acetic acid may also help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. In one study, people with diabetes who took 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar before bedtime had lower fasting blood sugar levels in the morning than those who didn’t (2).
Heart Health: The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may also protect against heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol levels and protecting against oxidative stress (3, 4). Additionally, one animal study found that acetic acid helped reduce high blood pressure (5).
Recipes with Apple Cider
If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate Apple Cider Day, try one of these recipes! Made with freshly pressed apple cider, these dishes are sure to please.
For breakfast, start your day with a hearty bowl of Apple Cider Oatmeal. This recipe is made with rolled oats, diced apples, cinnamon, and of course, apple cider. Top it off with a dollop of yogurt or milk for a truly satisfying meal.
For lunch, try an Apple Cider Chicken Salad. This recipe features shredded chicken breast, diced apples, celery, grapes, and a homemade apple cider dressing. Serve it on a bed of greens or whole wheat bread for a filling and nutritious meal.
For dinner, go for something heartier with Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops. This dish features pork chops cooked in apple cider until they’re tender and juicy. Serve them with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
End your day with a sweet treat by baking up some Apple Cider Donuts. These donuts are fried and then coated in a mixture of sugar and spices. They’re perfect for dunking in your afternoon cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
Apple cider day is a fun holiday that celebrates one of the most popular fall beverages. There are many ways to enjoy apple cider, from drinking it straight to using it in recipes. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this delicious drink, try out some of the ideas on our list. And don’t forget to share your favorite apple cider recipes with us in the comments below!
