In the world of brewing, there are many myths and misconceptions that can throw even the most experienced brewer for a loop.
One of these is the belief that cider is exclusively made from apples. To answer the question straight away: No, cider is not only made from apples. It can also be made from pears.
This revelation might be surprising to some, but it’s a fact that every cider enthusiast should know.
Having spent years in the brewing industry, I’ve had the chance to experiment with various fruits for cider production. In this post, I’ll delve deep into the world of cider making, specifically focusing on the use of different fruits.
What Is Cider?
Before we get into the details of what fruits are used to make cider, we need to understand what cider is. The official definition of hard cider is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. However, this doesn’t mean that all cider must be made from apples.
Cider is a broad category, with many subtypes and variations. In the United States, cider typically refers to an alcoholic drink made from apples. However, in many parts of Europe and elsewhere, cider can refer to any fermented fruit juice.
Apple Cider: The Classic Choice
The most traditional and widely recognized form of cider is apple cider. Apples have a high sugar content, which makes them ideal for fermentation. The process of making apple cider involves crushing apples to extract their juice, followed by fermentation with yeast. The result is a delicious, tangy, alcoholic beverage with a slight sweetness.
While apple cider is the most common type, it is not the only variety of cider available.
Pear Cider: The Exception to the Rule
While apples may be the most commonly used fruit in cider production, they’re not the only option. Pears, for instance, can also be used to make a type of cider known as perry.
Perry, or pear cider, is a traditional English beverage that’s been around for centuries. Like apple cider, perry is made by crushing pears and fermenting the juice. The result is a cider that’s often lighter and sweeter than its apple-based counterpart.
Making Perry: A Unique Process
The process of making perry is similar to that of making apple cider, but there are some key differences. For one, the types of pears used in perry making are typically not the same as those you’d find in the grocery store. Instead, specific varieties of pears, known as perry pears, are used. These pears are often smaller and harder than typical eating pears.
Other Fruits Used in Cider Production
While apples and pears are the most common fruits used in cider production, they’re not the only ones. In fact, there are many other fruits that can be used to make cider, including blueberries, peaches, cherries, and even strawberries!
The process of making cider with these fruits is similar to that of making apple cider or perry, but the resulting flavors can be quite different.
For example, peach cider tends to be sweeter and lighter, while cherry cider can have a tart, robust flavor.
The Influence of Fruit Varieties on Cider
One important aspect to consider when making cider is the variety of fruit used. Just as different types of apples or pears can result in different flavors, so too can different varieties of other fruits.
For example, using sweet cherries in cider production will result in a different flavor profile than using tart cherries. Similarly, different varieties of peaches or berries can yield different flavor nuances in the finished cider.
The Impact of Blending Fruits
Blending different types of fruits can also result in unique cider flavors. Some cider makers blend different varieties of the same fruit, such as mixing several types of apples, to achieve a specific flavor profile. Others may blend different types of fruits altogether, such as apples and pears, to create a unique combination.
Blending fruits in cider production can result in a more complex flavor profile and create a distinctive, signature cider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cider is traditionally made from apples, it can also be made from a variety of other fruits including pears, peaches, cherries, and berries. The type and variety of fruit used can greatly influence the flavor of the finished cider, and blending different fruits can add additional layers of complexity.
To sum up, here are ten key facts about cider production:
1. Cider is not only made from apples.
2. The official definition of hard cider refers to an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice.
3. Pears can also be used to make cider, known as perry.
4. Perry pears, not typical grocery store pears, are used to make perry.
5. Other fruits like peaches, cherries, and berries can also be used to make cider.
6. Different fruit varieties can yield different cider flavors.
7. Sweet and tart varieties of the same fruit can create different cider profiles.
8. Blending different fruit varieties can result in more complex cider flavors.
9. Blending different types of fruits can create unique cider combinations.
10. The type and variety of fruit used greatly influence the cider’s final taste.
In my personal experience, experimenting with different fruits in cider production can lead to some truly exceptional ciders. Don’t be afraid to try something new – you never know, you might just stumble upon your new favorite brew.
FAQs
What is pear hard cider called?
Pear hard cider is commonly referred to as “perry.”
What is the proper name for pear cider?
The proper name for pear cider is perry.
Is cider made from apples or pears?
Cider is typically made from apples, not pears.
What is the name of the apple cider with pears?
The apple cider with pears is commonly known as “pear cider.”
What alcohol is made from pears?
Pear alcohol is typically made from fermented pears and is commonly known as pear brandy or pear liqueur.
What hard cider is based on pears?
A hard cider that is made from pears is commonly referred to as pear cider.
