What is apple cider?
Apple cider is a fruit juice made from apples that is often unfiltered and unpasteurized. It can be produced through juicing or pressing fresh apples to extract the liquid and pulp. Apple cider ranges from translucent yellow to brown in color and can be sweet or tart in flavor depending on the varieties of apples used.
Traditionally, apple cider is made by pressing chopped apples to squeeze out the juice and solids. The pressed juice is then left unfiltered and unpasteurized, retaining natural apple solids and sediment. This gives apple cider its characteristic cloudy, opaque appearance. The juice can also be heated and clarified into a clearer, amber-colored liquid known as apple juice. However, clarified juice is no longer considered true apple cider.
What makes apple cider non-alcoholic?
Apple cider is non-alcoholic when yeast is not added to ferment the natural sugars into alcohol. Alcoholic cider is known as hard cider or apple cider beer.
Non-alcoholic apple cider maintains its natural sweetness and apple flavor since the sugars have not been converted to alcohol through fermentation. It typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. Most commercially produced apple ciders are non-alcoholic.
To prevent non-alcoholic cider from fermenting into hard cider, manufacturers use methods like pasteurization to halt yeast activity. Pasteurization involves briefly heating the cider to kill off wild yeasts that could trigger fermentation. Other methods include UV radiation, filtration, and chemical preservatives like potassium sorbate.
Nutrition facts of non-alcoholic apple cider
| Nutrient | Per 1 cup (248g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 117 |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As a fruit juice, non-alcoholic apple cider is high in natural sugars but does not contain fat or protein. A 1 cup serving provides 117 calories, mainly from 29 grams of carbohydrates and 24 grams of sugars. It also supplies a small amount of dietary fiber.
The sugars are a mix of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and sorbitol from the apples. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that adds sweetness. The combination of sugars gives apple cider its sweet-tart apple flavor.
Potential health benefits
Some potential health benefits of drinking non-alcoholic apple cider in moderation include:
Antioxidants
Apples contain antioxidants like quercetin, epicatechin, and vitamin C that can help neutralize damaging free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. These protective compounds are retained in apple cider.
Gut health
The pectin fiber and probiotics from the apple solids in unfiltered cider may promote digestion and healthy gut bacteria. However, more research is needed on cider specifically.
Blood sugar control
Studies link apple consumption to improved blood sugar control. The fiber, acids, and polyphenols in apples may slow digestion and prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Heart health
Some research shows that drinking apple juice and cider may lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, potentially reducing risk of heart disease. However, effects seem modest and more studies are needed.
Despite the potential benefits, it is important to note that apple cider is high in natural sugar. Consuming too much added sugar of any kind can negatively impact health. Moderation is key.
Selecting the best non-alcoholic apple cider
Check the label
Read labels carefully and select ciders with no added sugars or preservatives, besides acceptably small amounts of sulfites or sorbates to prevent microbial growth. Avoid ciders with extra sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.
Choose cloudy, unfiltered cider
Unpasteurized and unfiltered apple cider contains more nutrients and probiotics than clear, filtered versions. Settled apple sediment at the bottom signals natural unfiltered cider.
Check the ingredients
Ingredients should simply list apples as well as acceptable preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. Avoid ciders with many extra ingredients.
Select local or organic when possible
Opt for cider made from locally grown, organic apples when you can to minimize pesticides and support local farmers. Local, small-production ciders often have more apple flavor.
Consider freshness
Pick apple cider with the latest production date for peak flavor and nutrition. Refrigerated cider will stay freshest.
Know your apples
Cider can highlight single apple varieties, like Granny Smith, or blends. Certain types have distinct flavors – Macintosh and Empire apples are sweet, while traditional cider apples add tannins. Discover your preferences.
How to store non-alcoholic apple cider properly
Follow these tips for storing apple cider correctly:
Refrigeration
Keep unopened cider refrigerated at all times for freshness. Once opened, cider should be refrigerated and consumed within 7 days.
Avoid direct sunlight
Sunlight and UV rays can degrade cider over time. Store containers away from direct light.
Check seal tightness
Before refrigerating opened cider, ensure the bottle is properly sealed to avoid oxygen exposure and prevent spoilage.
Watch for sediment
Natural sediment may form at the bottom of unfiltered cider over time. Gently shake container to redistribute before pouring.
Freeze for longer storage
For retaining quality beyond 7 days, cider can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw completely before drinking.
Avoid heat
Do not store cider long-term at room temperature or expose bottles to heat, as warmth accelerates spoilage.
Proper refrigerated storage ensures apple cider retains its fresh-pressed flavor, nutrition, and quality for the duration of use.
Conclusion
Non-alcoholic apple cider is a sweet, mildly tart juice made from pressed apples. It contains beneficial nutrients and antioxidants from apples, including vitamin C, polyphenols, pectin fiber, and probiotics. When shopping for cider, read labels carefully to avoid unwanted added sugars and seek out fresh, unfiltered varieties for optimal nutrition and apple flavor. Store cider refrigerated and avoid direct sunlight and heat to retain freshness. Enjoyed in moderation, apple cider can be a flavorful, healthy addition to your diet.