An apple a day keeps the doctor away (or so they say) and what better way to test this theory than drinking your own homemade apple cider? Apple cider is a popular drink with many people, but the traditional method calls for unwieldy equipment and tricky steps to follow. If you want to make apple cider at home, you need a simpler recipe that anyone can achieve, with delicious results.
If you would like to make apple cider at home there are some simple steps you can follow to create a delicious drink. However, it is important to note that, while you can enjoy and make apple cider at home, you cannot legally sell it to anyone. It is best enjoyed with family around a braai or while sitting on your porch, and is easy enough for anyone to make.
If you would like to make apple cider at home, below we give some top tips.
Make Sure Equipment Is Clean
Apple juice and apple cider are food products, so you will need to be sure that all the equipment you use is clean when you make apple cider at home. You will need to wash and sanitise all of the equipment you need to ensure that no contaminants enter your apple cider. If you will be storing the fermenting apple cider in a bucket until it is ready, be sure that it has been properly cleaned and dried before filling it.
If you will be using measuring equipment, you will also need to keep this clean. You should ensure that your hands have been washed as well, and that the apples themselves have been washed. Hygiene is important for any process involving food and drink, especially if you will be sharing the end product with others. Once the equipment is clean, you can move onto the simple process of making apple cider at home.
Why Choose Apples?
Aside from being delicious both raw and made into cider, apples have several health benefits which can be helpful to anyone who consumes them. One apple contains manganese, copper, and the vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6, all of which are part of a balanced diet and lifestyle – making it quite a powerhouse of a fruit.
Apples can also help with improving digestion and lowering blood cholesterol, thanks to the high amount of fibre they contain. Apples also have antioxidants in them, which makes them a healthy fruit for snacking on, making apple juice out of, and for creating delicious apple cider. Below are the simple steps for how to make apple cider at home.
Ingredients
- 16 green apples, chopped into pieces
- 2kg brown sugar
- 20 Five Roses teabags
- 20g brewers yeast
- 20 litres of water
Method
- Boil the water, sugar and tea bags until the sugar is dissolved. Remove teabags from the water
- Let the water cool to just below room temperature
- Add the yeast and apple pieces
- Let ferment in a dry place for seven days
- Once fermented, sieve out the apple pieces and pour into glass bottles with sealable caps
You can enjoy apple cider warm or cool, depending on the weather and your mood. Warm apple cider can be warmed up on the stove top with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even with a pinch of cloves for added interest.
If you would like something to keep you busy while your apple cider ferments, take a look at our business listings to find the activity to suit your needs.