Hard Cider and Perry — Apple and Pear Fermented

Cider production in England dates to pre-Roman times — archaeobotanical evidence for domestic apple cultivation in south-west England is dated to approximately 400 BCE. Norman cider traditions were established by the Romans and developed through Medieval monastic orchards. The Asturian and Basque sidra tradition has similar ancient roots. American cider was the most widely consumed beverage in colonial New England — Adams and Jefferson both owned apple orchards producing cider.

Hard cider (fermented apple juice) and perry (fermented pear juice) are among Britain and France's most historically significant fermented beverages — production predates the Roman conquest of Britannia in the South West of England and Normandy, where specific bitter-sharp and bitter-sweet apple varieties were bred over centuries specifically for cider-making (not eating). The United States has experienced a cider renaissance since approximately 2010, driven by the craft beverage movement and growing demand for gluten-free alternatives. World cider production divides into four major traditions: English/Welsh (dry, tannic, often still or lightly sparkling, from traditional bittersweet apples — Yarlington Mill, Dabinett, Kingston Black); French Cidre and Poire (Normandy and Brittany's naturally sparkling, lower-alcohol styles from Binet Rouge, Domaine Dupont); Spanish Sidra (Basque Country and Asturias's extremely tart, slightly funky flat or barely sparkling cider poured from height); and American Craft Cider (Virtue, Schilling, Angry Orchard, with quality extremes at Poverty Lane Orchards/Farnum Hill).

FOOD PAIRING: Cider's apple character creates natural food bridges from the Provenance 1000 recipes. English Dry Cider: Ploughman's Lunch (Cheddar, pickles, bread), Pork Scratchings, Scotch Egg, Grilled Pork Chop with Apple. French Cidre Bouché: Crêpes Bretonnes (buckwheat crêpes with ham and cheese), Camembert, Moules Marinières. Spanish Sidra: Chorizo and Cured Meats, Manchego, Bacalao (salt cod). American Craft Cider: Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese, Harvest Salad, Roast Turkey.