Can You Make Cider From Cooking Apples? If you have an apple tree in your garden and a surplus of apples, making your own tasty apple cider is a simple way to use them up.
While many apple varieties are delicious when eaten raw, some varieties can be bitter as well as sharp to eat. If you have a fully laden apple tree, these can fall from the tree and rot on the ground, though some can be a good source of food for wildlife.
Apples were found growing wild during the Neolithic period, according to historical studies, but it was the Victorians who altered apple production in Britain.
Instead of letting your abundance of apples go to waste this autumn, turn them into a refreshing, brewed drink to enjoy. In our seasonal food section, we also have a lot of delicious apple recipes.
Can You Make Cider From Cooking Apples? Making homemade cider is a simpler process than you might think, and it can be done at home with basic equipment.
Whole apples are juiced at one end of the juicer, and clear apple juice is attracted off at the other. It couldn’t be easier, and the entire process is relatively clean.
Apple Options
Any apple variety can be utilized to make cider, however, the apple you choose will have a direct impact on the flavor of your cider. Cider makers typically use Winesaps, but any bittersweet, as well as sharp apple, will produce delicious cider.
Due to their balance of sweetness and acidity, Gala, Newton Pippin, and Rome Beauty apples are outstanding cooking apples that are widely available in most grocery stores and produce excellent cider. Cooking apples such as Fuji and Granny Smith should be avoided in the cider pot because the sweeter the apple, the less mouthwatering the cider.
Sweet Cider Reminiscences
Trying to make cider at home is a fun way for your family to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Core the apples and cut them into wedges, having left the peels on. For a more complicated, flavorful cider, use a variety of cooking apples rather than just one. Put the apples in a large frying pan with the spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and cover with water. Less sweet cooking apples, such as Rome Beauties, may need more sugar or honey inside the pot to keep the cider sweet.
Allow the apples, spices, and sugar to boil for an hour on high heat before steeping for another two hours. Strain the apples from the pot, then wrap them in cheesecloth. Using your hands, press the cheesecloth to strain the remaining juice from the apples into the cider. Return the apple juice to the stove and heat briefly until it reaches 160 F.
What kind of apples should I use to consider making apple cider?
You can make this apple cider with any apples you want: your favorite variety or whatever else you happen to have on hand. However, stronger-flavored apples will enhance the flavor of your cider.
Can You Make Cider From Cooking Apples? Is it necessary to peel my apples?
Certainly not. And, honestly, leaving the peels on will give your cider a lot more flavor. The skins are full of delicious apple flavor. Don’t worry, at the end, you’ll strain everything into a fine mesh strainer, which will catch all the solids. Make sure you have a ladle handy for this; there will be a lot of liquid!
Is it better to use whole but ground spices?
Definitely whole spices! We just want their flavor to infuse into the cider while that simmers. If you’re worried about somebody choking on an allspice berry or even a clove, don’t be: they’ll be strained out at the end when everything is passed through a mesh strainer.
How long can homemade apple cider be stored?
Apple cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in a sealed container and putting it in the refrigerator.
Can You Make Cider From Cooking Apples?
Ingredients
- 10 large apples, quartered
- 10 large apples, quartered
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice
- 1 nutmeg, whole
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Directions
- Step 1 Heat the apples, spices, oranges, and brown sugar in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cover with at least 2″ of water. Bring to a boil, then start reducing to low heat and cover for 2 hours.
- Step 2 Remove orange halves and mash apples with a potato masher as well as a wooden spoon. Return to a simmer and continue to cook uncovered for 1 hour.
- Step 3 Strain through a fine fine mesh sieve, pressing solids down with a wooden spoon to extract all juices. Solids should be discarded.
- Step 4: Serve warm apple cider.
The bottom line
Can You Make Cider From Cooking Apples? While traditional apple cider once was made from apples grown specifically for cider production, most kinds of cooking apples can now be made into delicious cider. Cooking apples are generally tarter, larger, and firmer than snacking apples.
While most cooking apples are edible on their own, some varieties produce better cider than others. Fresh apple cider is a delicious, natural autumn treat that the entire family will enjoy.
