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82-638: Thatchers Cider is a family-owned cider maker in Sandford , North Somerset , England. The Thatchers company was founded by William Thatcher in 1904. His son Stanley Thatcher, born in 1910, began selling draught cider to pubs in Somerset and the company's presence in the area grew. The company is still family owned and employs around 200 people. In 1992 Martin took over from his father, John Thatcher, as managing director. It has 500 acres of its own orchard, as well as using apples from other growers in

164-452: A hard cider . Cider is an ancient beverage. Evidence from pottery found shows that cider was made as early as 3000 B.C by the Celts. The first recorded reference to cider dates back to Julius Caesar 's first attempt to invade Britain in 55 BCE where he found the native Celts fermenting crabapples. He would take the discovery back through continental Europe with his retreating troops. In

246-399: A barrel of cider is left outside during the winter. When the temperature is low enough, the water in the cider starts to freeze. If the ice is removed, the (now more concentrated) alcoholic solution is left behind in the barrel. If the process is repeated often enough, and the temperature is low enough, the alcohol concentration is raised to 20–30% alcohol by volume. Home production of applejack

328-512: A bottle if not filtered correctly. Artificial sweeteners can be used which are non-fermentable but some of these create an aftertaste, such as saccharin or sucralose, yet some of these are known for adding off flavour compounds. In 2014, a study found that a 1-US-pint (470 ml) bottle of mass-market cider contained 20.5 g (five teaspoons) of sugar, nearly the amount the WHO recommends as an adult's daily allowance of added sugar, and 5–10 times

410-404: A cider is produced; this is the traditional method used for cider making, and many producers feel that the strains unique to their cidery contribute a sense of terroir to their product. Wild yeast populations can be incredibly diverse and commonly include species of Saccharomyces , Candida , Pichia , Hanseniaspora and Metschnikowia . Typically, the native yeast take up residence in

492-424: A cider mill. Cider mills were traditionally driven by the hand, water-mill, or horse-power. In modern times, they are likely to be powered by electricity. The pulp is then transferred to a cider press where the juice is extracted. Traditionally, the method for squeezing the juice from the apple pulp involves placing sweet straw or haircloths between stacked layers of apple pulp. Today, apples can be quickly pressed on

574-448: A clear cider without any need for filtration. Both sparkling and still ciders are made; the sparkling variety is the more common. Modern, mass-produced ciders closely resemble sparkling wine in appearance. More traditional brands tend to be darker and cloudier. They are often stronger than the mass-produced varieties and taste more strongly of apples. Almost colourless, white cider has the same apple juice content as conventional cider but

656-455: A common tannin present in cider is Procyanidin B2 . The acids in cider play a vital role in both the cider making process and in the final flavour of a finished cider. They are present in both apples and cider, and add a sour taste and a pungent odor to these respective substances. Acids also serve as a preservative in the cider since microbes grow less in lower pH environments and contribute to

738-673: A high crop load because the nitrogen in more concentrated in the low number of apples instead of being distributed to many apples. While a sufficient amount of YAN is good for the yeast and ensures fermentation of the sugars in the juice to alcohol, some cider makers may choose to limit nitrogen because it is the limiting factor. When the yeast are starved for nitrogen, they stop fermenting and die off. This can be desirable if cider makers prefer their cider to have some more sugar than alcohol in their cider. However, limiting YAN should be done in moderation because too little nitrogen can lead to an increase in hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) production which

820-402: A mechanized belt press. The juice, after being strained in a coarse hair-sieve, is then put into either open vats or closed casks. The remaining solids ( pomace ) are given to farm animals as winter feed, composted, discarded or used to make liqueurs . Fermentation of ciders occurs by a very similar mechanism to the fermentation of wine. The process of alcoholic fermentation is characterised by

902-526: A mix of eating and cider apples (as in Kent , England), or exclusively cider apples (as in the West Country , England) and West of England . There are many hundreds of varieties of cultivars developed specifically for cider making. Once the apples are gathered from trees in orchards they are scratted (ground down) into a pulp. Historically this was done using pressing stones with circular troughs, or by

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984-408: A protective layer, reducing air contact. This final fermentation creates a small amount of carbonation . Extra sugar may be added specifically for this purpose. Racking is sometimes repeated if the liquor remains too cloudy. Apple-based juice may also be combined with fruit to make a fine cider; fruit purées or flavourings can be added, such as grape, cherry , raspberry , or cranberry . The cider

1066-534: A recipe calling for quince cider. Before the development of rapid long-distance transportation, regions of cider consumption generally coincided with those of cider production. As such, cider was said to be more common than wine in 12th-century Galicia and certainly the idea of it was present in England by the Conquest of 1066, using crab apples: the word "Wassail" is derived from a Saxon phrase, "wæs hæil": it

1148-466: A second fermentation increases the ethanol content of the resulting beverage. Cider alcohol content varies from 1.2% to 8.5% ABV or more in traditional English ciders, and 3.5% to 12% in continental ciders. In UK law, it must contain at least 35% apple juice (fresh or from concentrate), although CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) says that "real cider" must be at least 90% fresh apple juice . In

1230-692: A significant source of off odors in the finished product. Brettanomyces species produce volatile phenols , especially 4-ethyl phenol , which impart a distinct aroma called "Bretty", typically described as "barnyard", "horsey", or "bandaid". While these aromas would be considered spoilage odors in wines, many cider producers and consumers do not consider them a fault. Yeast species like Hanseniaspora uvarum , Metschnikowia pulcherrima , Saccharomyces uvarum , Zygosaccharomyces cidri , Candida pomicole , and Pichia membranifaciens have also been found to produce enzymes linked to generation of spoilage odors. The western British tradition of wassailing

1312-551: A single recipe for fermenting apples but rather includes them as part of main courses, especially accompanying pork. In Austria, cider is made in the southwest of Lower Austria , the so-called " Mostviertel " and in Upper Austria as well as in parts of Styria . Almost every farmer there has some apple or pear trees. Many farmers also have a kind of inn called a "Mostheuriger", similar to a heuriger for new wine, where they serve cider and traditional fare. Non-sparkling cider

1394-401: A sour profile. Ice ciders can be made by using pre-pressed frozen juice or frozen whole apples. Whole apples either come frozen from the orchard, dependent on harvest date, or are stored in a freezer prior to pressing. When the pre-pressed juice or whole apples freeze, sugars are concentrated and mostly separated from the water. Whole apples are then pressed to extract the concentrated juice. For

1476-794: A strong aromatic and flavour character of apple, while drier and higher alcohol ciders will tend to produce a wider range of fruity aromas and flavours. Modern ciders vary in color from pale to yellow and can range from brilliant to a hazy clarity. Clarity can be altered through various cider making practices, depending on the cider maker's intentions. Heritage ciders are made from both culinary and cider apples, including bittersweet, bittersharp, heirlooms, wild apples, and crabapples. Common apples used in heritage cider production include Dabinett , Kingston Black , Roxbury Russet , and Wickson . Heritage ciders are higher in tannins than modern ciders. They range in colour from yellow to amber ranging from brilliant to hazy. Clarity of heritage ciders also depends on

1558-411: A sweet, low-alcohol "cidre" taking advantage of the sweeter apples and the keeving process. Cider styles evolved based on the methods used, the apples available and local tastes. Production techniques developed, as with most technology, by trial and error. In fact, the variables were nearly too widespread to track, including: spontaneous fermentation, the type of vessels used, environmental conditions, and

1640-543: Is a traditional method of fermentation with low amounts of nitrogen in French and English ciders that is intended to slow down the rate of fermentation in hopes of retaining high esters as well as retaining some residual sugar in the bottled cider to increase effervescence in the aging process. Ciders can be back sweetened, after fermentation is complete to add a sweet taste and balance out acids, tannins, and bitterness. Natural sugar can be used but this can restart fermentation in

1722-496: Is an important factor to consider during the fermentation of foods. Failing to completely remove any microbes from equipment and storing vessels may result in the multiplication of harmful organisms within the ferment, potentially increasing the risks of food borne illnesses such as botulism. However, botulism in vegetable ferments is only possible when not properly canned. The production of off smells and discoloration may be indications that harmful bacteria may have been introduced to

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1804-664: Is available in many sports clubs and events across the South West. They are involved with teams including Winscombe R.F.C. , Bath Rugby , Somerset County Cricket Club , Bristol Rugby , Bristol City , Yeovil Town , Gloucestershire County Cricket Club , Bristol Rovers , Southampton FC , Plymouth Argyle F.C , Exeter City and Torquay United . Thatchers are also involved in many local events and festivals including: Glastonbury Festival , Royal Bath and West Show , Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Cambridge Folk Festival . Thatcher's lost their ongoing cider sponsorship of

1886-761: Is called poiré in France and produced mostly in Lower Normandy there. A branded sweet perry known as Babycham , marketed principally as a women's drink and sold in miniature champagne-style bottles, was once popular in the UK but has become unfashionable. Another related drink is a form of mead , known as cyser . Cyser is a blend of honey and apple juice fermented together. Although not widely made in modern times, various other pome fruits can produce palatable drinks. Apicius , in Book II of De re coquinaria , includes

1968-414: Is carried out at a temperature of 4–16 °C (39–61 °F). This temperature would be low for most kinds of fermentation, but is beneficial for cider, as it leads to slower fermentation with less loss of delicate aromas. Fermentation can occur due to natural yeasts that are present in the must; alternately, some cider makers add cultivated strains of cider yeast, such as Saccharomyces bayanus . During

2050-446: Is common for ciders to be fermented to dryness, although that is not always the case. Fermentations will carry on until the fermentation is stopped or the yeasts run out of nutrients and can no longer metabolise, resulting in a "stuck" fermentation. Steps taken before fermentation might include fruit or juice blending, titratable acidity and pH measurements and sometimes adjustments, and sulfur dioxide and yeast additions. Fermentation

2132-403: Is critical to the quality of the final product. As with other fermented beverages, like wine and beer, the strain of yeast used to carry out the alcoholic fermentation also converts precursor molecules into the odorants found in the final product. In general, two broad categories of yeast are used for cider making: commercially developed strains and wild, or autochthonous, strains. In either case,

2214-555: Is exacerbated when a plastic container is used for this purpose instead of the old-fashioned, traditional method, a grass-lined hole, as the Clostridium botulinum bacteria thrive in the anaerobic conditions created by the air-tight enclosure in plastic. Research has found that fermented food contains a carcinogenic by-product, ethyl carbamate (urethane). "A 2009 review of the existing studies conducted across Asia concluded that regularly eating pickled vegetables roughly doubles

2296-479: Is expensive in time and money and requires special corks, bottles, and other equipment. Some home brewers use beer bottles, which work perfectly well, and are inexpensive. This allows the cider to become naturally carbonated. Tannins are crucial flavour compounds in cider. Since perfecting the tannin content in the cider is needed for optimal success, the tannins or "polyphenols of apples are largely implicated in cider quality." They are important because they control

2378-485: Is harder to create because the cider maker has to blend various apples to create a clearer liquid. White ciders tend to be sweeter and more refreshing. They are typically 7–8%  ABV in strength. Black cider, by contrast, is dry amber cider which has an alcohol content of 7–8% ABV. The word cider is first mentioned in Middle English in biblical use as sicer / ciser "strong drink", "strong liquor" in

2460-601: Is made throughout Normandy , France, not just in the Calvados département . It is made from cider by double distillation. In the first pass, the result is a liquid containing 28–30% alcohol. After the second pass, the concentration of alcohol is about 40%. Applejack is a strong alcoholic beverage made in North America by concentrating cider, either by the traditional method of freeze distillation or by true evaporative distillation . In traditional freeze distillation,

2542-437: Is made use of when fruit juices are converted to wine , when grains are made into beer , and when foods rich in starch, such as potatoes , are fermented and then distilled to make spirits such as gin and vodka . The production of carbon dioxide is used to leaven bread. The production of organic acids is exploited to preserve and flavor vegetables and dairy products. Food fermentation serves five main purposes: to enrich

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2624-599: Is popular in Europe. Ice cider (French: cidre de glace ), originating in Quebec and inspired by ice wine , has become a Canadian speciality, now also being produced in England. For this product, the apples are frozen either before or after being harvested. Its alcohol concentration is 9–13% ABV . Cidre de glace is considered a local speciality in Quebec and can fetch high prices on the international market. In Canada, ice cider

2706-528: Is produced by natural, outdoor freezing. In Europe and the United States, a similar product may be achieved through artificial, interior freezing, though often not under the name 'ice cider.' Pommeau , a popular apéritif in Normandy, is a drink produced by blending unfermented apple juice and apple brandy in the barrel (the high alcoholic content of the spirit prevents fermentation of the juice and

2788-420: Is ready to drink after a three-month fermentation period, although it is more often matured in the vats for up to three years. For larger-scale cider production, ciders from vats produced from different varieties of apple may be blended to accord with market taste. If the cider is to be bottled, usually some extra sugar is added for sparkle. Higher quality ciders can be made using the champagne method , but this

2870-1091: Is responsible for a rotten egg-like smell. Primary cider fermentation can be initiated by inoculating the cider must with selected yeast strains or by permitting indigenous yeast strains present on the fruit and in the cider production equipment to spontaneously commence fermentation without inoculation. Inoculation with different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeast strains with strong fermentative metabolism traits, including Saccharomyces bayanus and Torulaspora delbrueckii strains, has been shown to produce few differences in cider phenolic compounds, save for concentrations of phloretin (see Phloretin ) in samples that underwent malolactic fermentation. Spontaneous fermentation commenced by indigenous yeasts and finished by Saccharomyces cerevisiae can produce ciders with similar concentrations of important non-volatile acids , including lactic acid, succinic acid and acetic acid, while concentrations of volatile compounds such as methanol and 1-butanol, were present in different concentrations, dependent on apple cultivar. Extending

2952-679: Is the cidery. Indigenous yeast strain population dynamics are affected by climatic conditions, apple variety, geographic location, and cider making technologies used. These variables cause different regions to host unique endemic yeast populations. The particular composition of endemic yeast strains and the yeast's activity during fermentation are responsible for the unique characteristics of ciders produced in certain regions. Unique autochthonous yeast populations promote different compositions of volatile flavour compounds, which form distinct tastes, aromas, and mouthfeel in finished ciders. Using wild yeast populations for fermentation introduces variability to

3034-414: Is typically called "Most". Austria's most popular sparkling cider Goldkehlchen is produced in south Styria and marketed internationally since 2013 by the company founders Adam and Eva. Fermentation (food) In food processing , fermentation is the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms — yeasts or bacteria —without an oxidizing agent being used in

3116-575: Is what would have been said by Saxons as a toast at Yuletide . Southern Italy, by contrast, though indeed possessing apples, had no tradition for cider apples at all and like its other neighbours on the Mediterranean Sea preserved the Roman tradition of apples as an ingredient for desserts, as evidenced by the frescoes at Herculaneum and Pompeii, descriptions by Classical writers and playwrights, and Apicius , whose famous cookbook does not contain

3198-560: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research and discovery of "cell-free fermentation". One year earlier, in 1906, ethanol fermentation studies led to the early discovery of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD ). Food fermentation is the conversion of sugars and other carbohydrates into alcohol or preservative organic acids and carbon dioxide . All three products have found human uses. The production of alcohol

3280-501: The antimicrobial environment in the juice, while the bisulfite and sulfite ions contribute to flavour. The quantity of sulfur dioxide needed to inhibit microbial activity is directly related to the pH of the juice; lower pH means less should be added, while higher pH juice requires more. Many cider producers add sulfur dioxide immediately after pressing and juicing, but before fermentation. However, in some cases it can be added afterwards to act as an antioxidant or stabiliser. This prevents

3362-543: The astringency and bitterness of the cider. Tannins are necessary components to focus on when producing cider because the length of the aftertaste of the cider (astringency) and bitterness are both strong chemicals that affect people's opinion on the cider. Tannins are polyphenol compounds that are naturally occurring in apples. Depending on the type of cider apple the producer is using, the tannin levels will be different. The more well-known ciders typically have lower tannin levels while traditional ciders have more. One example of

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3444-513: The 13th century and as sither(e) / cidre "liquor made from the juice of fruits" → "beverage made from apples" in the 14th century. It was probably first borrowed from Old French primitive form sizre " fermented beverage " ( Eadwine Psalter , LXVIII, 14) and then from another younger French form cistre , later sidre , cidre "beverage made from fruits". The specific meaning "fermented beverage from apples" appears in Old French for

3526-474: The Champenoise method used to produce champagne. Use of different strains of indigenous Saccharomyces to perform secondary fermentation produced ciders with consistent alcohol and acidic characteristics, variable glycerol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, methanol, propanol, i -butanol and 2-phenylethanol characteristics and acceptable sensory analysis results. The selection of yeast used for cider production

3608-723: The Glastonbury festival in 2019 to Mallets cider . Thatchers aired on national TV with Time Stops in 2015, with the concept of showcasing the 12:30 pm tasting that happens every Friday at Myrtle Farm, claiming the cider isn’t released until Martin Thatcher has tasted each batch after arriving in a balloon. 51°20′01″N 2°50′10″W  /  51.3335°N 2.8361°W  / 51.3335; -2.8361 Cider The juice of most varieties of apple, including crab apples , can be used to make cider, but cider apples are best. The addition of sugar or extra fruit before

3690-604: The US, there is a 50% minimum. In France, cider must be made solely from apples. Perry is a similar product to cider made by fermenting pear juice . When distilled, cider turns into fruit brandy . The flavour of cider varies. Ciders can be classified from dry to sweet. Their appearance ranges from cloudy with sediment to completely clear, and their colour ranges from almost colourless to amber to brown. The variations in clarity and colour are mostly due to filtering between pressing and fermentation . Some apple varieties will produce

3772-903: The USACM Cider Style Guide, specialty styles include: fruit, hopped, spiced, wood-aged, sour, and iced ciders. Fruit ciders have other fruit or juices added before or after fermentation, such as cherries, blueberries and cranberries. Hopped cider is fermented with added hops , common hop varieties being Cascade , Citra, Galaxy, and Mosaic. Spiced ciders have various spices added to the cider before, during, or after fermentation. Spices like cinnamon and ginger are popular to use in production. Wood-aged ciders are ciders that are either fermented or aged in various types of wood barrels, to aid in extraction of woody, earthy flavours. Sour ciders are high acid ciders that are produced with non-standard, non- Saccharomyces yeast and bacteria, which enhance acetic and lactic acid production, to reach

3854-471: The addition of food-grade red dyes, previously used red grape skins, like Marquette with high anthocyanin concentration, red fruits, rose petals, or hibiscus . Lastly, sparkling ciders can be produced through methods of direct carbonation, addition of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) or by Méthode Champenoise to re-create the traditional Champagne style. Apples grown for consumption are suitable for cider making, though some regional cider-makers prefer to use

3936-471: The amount of sugar in lager or ale . An important component in cider-making is the addition of sulfur dioxide to inhibit the growth of many spoilage bacteria or yeasts in the juice. This encourages the inoculated yeast to dominate the juice environment, converting sugars to alcohol. Once sulfur dioxide dissolves in the juice, it converts into a pH dependent mixture of bisulfite, sulfite ions, and molecular sulfur dioxide. The "unbound" sulfur dioxide provides

4018-801: The apple trees and making an offering of cider and bread in Autumn to protect the fertility of the orchard appears to be a relatively ancient tradition, superficially dating back to the pre-Christian Early Medieval period. The autumn tradition of ' bobbing ' for apples is due to the abundance of fruit at this time. A modern cider festival is an organised event that promotes cider and (usually) perry . A variety of ciders and perries will be available for tasting and buying. Such festivals may be organised by pubs , cider producers, or cider-promoting private organisations. Calvados and applejack are strong liquors distilled from cider. They differ in their geographical origin and their method of distillation. Calvados

4100-540: The apple varieties. Refinements came much later when cider became a commercial product and the process was better understood. However, since there is growing popularity in ciders, the production of specialty styles has begun to increase. Modern ciders are made from culinary apples and are lower in tannins and higher in acidity than other cider styles. Common culinary apples used in modern ciders include McIntosh , Golden Delicious , Jonagold , Granny Smith , Gala , and Fuji . A sweet or low alcohol cider may tend to have

4182-509: The area. Alongside its bush orchards, Thatchers has pioneered a method of growing its apple trees in a hedgerow style. Trained on wires, this enables easier harvesting and also helps to ensure the fruit has the optimum combination of sunlight and rain. It has also led to the development of a new bespoke harvester. At the height of season, Thatchers can press 500 tonnes of apples per day. Thatchers also maintains an exhibition orchard in which over 458 different varieties of apple tree are grown. Many of

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4264-432: The blend takes on the character of the aged barrel). Cocktails may include cider. Besides kir and snakebite , an example is Black Velvet in a version of which cider may replace champagne. Cider may also be used to make vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is noted for its high acidity and flavour. Other fruits can be used to make cider-like drinks. The most popular is made from fermented pear juice, known as perry . It

4346-430: The cider making practices used and will differ by cider maker as well. In Canada, some cideries market " Loyalist -style" ciders, which are notably dry and made with McIntosh apples, a Canadian heritage varietal. Specialty style ciders are open to a lot more manipulation than modern or heritage style ciders. There is no restriction to apple varieties used and the list of specialty styles continues to expand. Listed on

4428-432: The cider making process that makes it more difficult to generate multiple batches of cider that retain consistent characteristics. Aside from carrying out the primary fermentation of cider, yeast may also play other roles in cider production. The production of sparkling cider requires a second round of fermentation, and a second yeast selection. The yeast used for the secondary fermentation in sparkling cider production serve

4510-404: The cider market, ciders can be broken down into two main styles, standard and specialty. The first group consists of modern ciders and heritage ciders. Modern ciders are produced from culinary apples such as Gala . Heritage ciders are produced from heritage, cider specific, crab or wild apples, like Golden Russet . Historically, cider was made from the only resources available to make it, so style

4592-404: The cidery, and can be important to the unique flavour of the product. Although it was once believed that the native yeast carrying out these spontaneous fermentations also came from the orchard itself, research has shown that the microbes cultured from apples in the orchard do not align with the microbes found during the various stages of fermentation, suggesting that the sole source of native yeast

4674-428: The conversion of simple sugars into ethanol by yeasts, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae . This is because, as "Crabtree positive" yeasts, they produce ethanol even during aerobic fermentation; in contrast, Crabtree-negative yeasts produce only biomass and carbon dioxide. This adaptation allows them a competitive edge in the fermentation of ciders due to their high alcohol tolerance, and because of this tolerance, it

4756-1650: The diet through development of a diversity of flavors, aromas, and textures in food substrates; to preserve substantial amounts of food through lactic acid , alcohol, acetic acid , and alkaline fermentations; to enrich food substrates with protein, essential amino acids , and vitamins; to eliminate antinutrients ; and to reduce cooking time and the associated use of fuel. Cheonggukjang , doenjang , fermented bean curd , miso , natto , soy sauce , stinky tofu , tempeh , oncom, soybean paste, Beijing mung bean milk, kinama, iru , thua nao Amazake , beer , bread , choujiu , gamju , injera , kvass , makgeolli , murri , ogi , rejuvelac , sake , sikhye , sourdough , sowans , rice wine , malt whisky , grain whisky , idli , dosa , Bangla (drink) vodka , boza , and chicha , among others. Kimchi , mixed pickle , sauerkraut , Indian pickle , gundruk , tursu Wine , vinegar , cider , perry , brandy , atchara , nata de coco , burong mangga , asinan , pickling , vişinată , chocolate , rakı , aragh sagi , chacha , tempoyak Mead , metheglin , tej Some kinds of cheese also, kefir , kumis (mare milk), shubat (camel milk), ayran , cultured milk products such as quark , filmjölk , crème fraîche , smetana , skyr , and yogurt Bagoong , faseekh , fish sauce , Garum , Hákarl , jeotgal , ngapi , padaek , pla ra , prahok , rakfisk , shrimp paste , surströmming , shidal Chorizo , salami , sucuk , pepperoni , nem chua, som moo , saucisson , fermented sausage Pu-erh tea , Kombucha , Lahpet , Goishicha Sterilization

4838-458: The different Romance languages : Spanish, Portuguese sidra , Italian sidro , etc., in the Germanic languages : German Zider , etc. are all from French and Breton chistr , Welsh seidr (through an English form) probably too. By the 19th century, cider referred to the expressed juice of apples, either before fermentation as sweet cider , or after fermentation,

4920-402: The fermentation consumes all the sugar, the liquor is "racked" ( siphoned ) into new vats. This leaves dead yeast cells and other undesirable material at the bottom of the old vat. At this point, it becomes important to exclude airborne acetic bacteria, so vats are filled completely to exclude air. The fermenting of the remaining available sugar generates a small amount of carbon dioxide that forms

5002-436: The fermentation has finished. Some researchers have also suggested that non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be used to release additional flavour or mouthfeel compounds, as they may contain enzymes, such as β-glucosidase , β-xylosidase , or polygalacturonase , which Saccharomyces yeast may not produce. Not all yeast associated with cider production are necessary for fermentation; many are considered spoilage microbes and can be

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5084-423: The fermentation of sugar to alcohol by yeast , Pasteur concluded that the fermentation was catalyzed by a vital force, called " ferments ", within the yeast cells. The "ferments" were thought to function only within living organisms. Pasteur wrote that "Alcoholic fermentation is an act correlated with the life and organization of the yeast cells, not with the death or putrefaction of the cells." Nevertheless, it

5166-443: The fermentation process. Most ciders have a pH of between 3.3 and 4.1. The primary acid found in apples is malic acid which accounts for around 90% of the acid content in apples. Malic acid contributes to the tart and sour flavours found in cider, and typically between 4.5 and 7.5 grams of malic acid per litre of cider is preferred. Malic acid is also used to determine apple ripeness for harvesting, as its concentration decreases as

5248-677: The fermentation process. The earliest archaeological evidence of fermentation is 13,000-year-old residues of a beer, with the consistency of gruel, found in a cave near Haifa in Israel. Another early alcoholic drink, made from fruit, rice, and honey, dates from 7000 to 6600 BC, in the Neolithic Chinese village of Jiahu , and winemaking dates from ca. 6000 BC, in Georgia , in the Caucasus area. Seven-thousand-year-old jars containing

5330-543: The finished cider from releasing hydrogen peroxide or aldehydes that produce "off" odors and flavours. Nitrogen is also a very important nutrient supporting yeast growth and fermentation in cider. Yeast require different forms of nitrogen to take up and use themselves so nitrogenous compounds are often added to apple juice. The mixture of nitrogen-containing compounds that yeast can use are referred to as 'Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen', or YAN. Even though YAN can be added into juice before fermentation, there are other ways to affect

5412-657: The first time by the Norman chronicler Wace in 1130 / 1140 (Wace, conception de Nostre Dame ). The Old French word * cisre ( sizre ) is from Gallo-Romance * cisera found in Medieval Latin by the English author Alexander Neckam (Neckam, De nominibus utensilium ). It is an altered form of Church Latin sicera "fermented drink", itself borrowed from Greek sīkéra , ultimately from Hebrew šēkār , "intoxicating liquor". The cognates in

5494-446: The food. Alaska has witnessed a steady increase of cases of botulism since 1985. It has more cases of botulism than any other state in the United States of America. This is caused by the traditional Alaska Native practice of allowing animal products such as whole fish, fish heads, walrus , sea lion , and whale flippers, beaver tails, seal oil, and birds, to ferment for an extended period of time before being consumed. The risk

5576-471: The fruit ripens. Lactic acid is also commonly found in cider, and it is mainly formed from malo-lactic fermentation, a process that converts malic acid into lactic acid. This process rounds out the flavour of the cider while reducing a lot of the acidity and producing carbon dioxide as well. Other acids such as citric acid can be used to add taste after fermentation, but these acids are not typically found in high concentration in apples naturally. Most of

5658-471: The initial stages of fermentation, there are elevated levels of carbon dioxide as the yeasts multiply and begin to break down the sugar into ethanol. In addition to fermentative metabolism of yeast, certain organoleptic compounds are formed that have an effect on the quality of cider, such as other alcohols, esters and other volatile compounds. After fermentation, racking occurs into a clean vessel, trying to leave behind as much yeast as possible. Shortly before

5740-407: The juice, or they may select yeast that contribute mouthfeel or specific aromas to the cider. "Wild fermentations" occur when autochthonous yeast are allowed to carry out fermentation; indigenous yeasts can spontaneously initiate fermentation without any addition of other yeast strains by the cider maker. Autochthonous yeasts are wild yeast strains that are endemic to the specific location in which

5822-406: The levels of nitrogen in the juice before pressing, like the maturity of the orchard or what type of fertiliser is used. Using a fertiliser with a good amount of nitrogen will help the roots of apple trees; nitrogen fixing bacteria on the roots will be able to provide the tree with more nitrogen that will be able to make its way into the fruit. A low crop load can also yield juices with more YAN than

5904-475: The natural sugar in apples are used up in the fermentation process and are converted into alcohol, and carbon dioxide. If the fermentation goes all the way, the cider will have no perceivable residual sugar and be dry. This means that the cider will not taste sweet, and might show more bitterness, or acidity. Ciders are made in many parts of Europe and in the United States and each country has different representations of cider with different flavour compounds. Keeving

5986-565: The pre-pressed juice the concentrated solution is drawn off while thawing occurs. Although, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) cider producers can only label a product 'Ice Cider' if it is produced from apples naturally frozen outdoors. Two styles not mentioned in the USACM Cider Style Guide are Rosé and Sparkling Cider. Rosé cider can be produced from apple varieties that have reddish-pink pulp, like Pink Pearl and Amour Rouge. Rosé ciders can also be created through

6068-413: The preservation of sour foods with the production of lactic acid , such as in sauerkraut and yogurt . Other widely consumed fermented foods include vinegar , olives , and cheese . More localised foods prepared by fermentation may also be based on beans, grain, vegetables, fruit, honey, dairy products, and fish. Natural fermentation predates human history. Since ancient times, humans have exploited

6150-441: The reaction. Fermentation usually implies that the action of microorganisms is desired. The science of fermentation is known as zymology or zymurgy. The term "fermentation" sometimes refers specifically to the chemical conversion of sugars into ethanol , producing alcoholic drinks such as wine , beer , and cider . However, similar processes take place in the leavening of bread (CO 2 produced by yeast activity), and in

6232-660: The remains of wine, now on display at the University of Pennsylvania, were excavated in the Zagros Mountains in Iran . There is strong evidence that people were fermenting alcoholic drinks in Babylon ca. 3000 BC, ancient Egypt ca. 3150 BC, pre-Hispanic Mexico ca. 2000 BC, and Sudan ca. 1500 BC. The French chemist Louis Pasteur founded zymology , when in 1856 he connected yeast to fermentation. When studying

6314-412: The same purpose as the yeast used in the champagne method of sparkling wine production: to generate carbonation and distinct aromas with a fermentation that occurs in the bottle. The yeast is selected based on critical properties, such as tolerance to high pressure, low temperature, and high ethanol concentration, as well as an ability to flocculate , which allows for riddling to remove the yeast when

6396-484: The species tend to be either Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces bayanus. Commercial strains are available for purchase from numerous distributors, and their characteristics are typically outlined in manuals from the companies. Selection for fermentation may be based on a yeast's ability to ferment at particular sugar concentrations, temperatures, or pH. Some producers may also select for yeasts that produce killer factors , allowing them to out-compete other yeast in

6478-416: The time during which the cider remains in contact with yeast lees increased concentrations of most of the minor volatile compounds present, especially fatty acids, ethyl esters and alcohols. Major volatile compound concentrations did not exhibit a similar pattern, with iso -butanol, amyl alcohols, and acetone decreasing 1-propanol decreasing. Sparkling ciders can be produced using different methods, including

6560-408: The traditional ciders produced at Myrtle Farm are matured in 100-year-old oak vats, which gives the cider a distinctive taste although much of their range has a higher than average alcohol content. In addition to its cider production, Myrtle Farm is the UK's biggest processor of blackcurrants , dealing with 90 per cent of the UK's total crop, which it processes on behalf of Ribena . Thatchers Cider

6642-457: Was known that yeast extracts can ferment sugar even in the absence of living yeast cells . While studying this process in 1897, the German chemist and zymologist Eduard Buchner of Humboldt University of Berlin , Germany, found that sugar was fermented even when there were no living yeast cells in the mixture, by an enzyme complex secreted by yeast that he termed zymase . In 1907 he received

6724-484: Was not a large factor when considering the production process. Apples were historically confined to the cooler climates of Western Europe and Britain where civilisation was slow to develop record keeping. Cider was first made from crab apples , ancestors of the bittersweet and bittersharp apples used by today's English cider makers. English cider contained a drier, higher-alcohol-content version, using open fermentation vats and bittersweet crab apples. The French developed

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