What is it?

Not to be confused with apple juice, true apple cider contains fruit solids and is unfiltered, hence its cloudier color and richer, tangier flavor. It is made by crushing freshly harvested apples and wrapping and pressing the pulp to extract the juices. Although mass produced cider is pasteurized in order to improve its shelf life, fresh apple cider is not.

Many producers believe that certain apples are better for cider than others, and the apples used to make the beverage are divided into two categories: bittersharp, which has a higher acid content, and bittersweet. Both categories encompass apple varieties that are rich in tannins, which are said to make a better tasting cider.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Roasted Uncured Ham with Mustard-Herb Crust

  Dress up ham with this simple sweet-savory topping. You can use leftovers in wraps, sandwiches, casseroles, and stews.

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  Recipe

  Cranberry Streusel Muffins

  Sweet, crumbly streusel balances bursts of tartness from the cranberries in these tender sour-cream muffins. They're shown here with Marcona Almond Streusel, but you can use Cocoa Cardamom Streusel or…

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  Recipe

  Pork Chops with Thyme-Scented Apples over Cheddar Polenta

  Pork and apple juices mingle beautifully and make a lovely sauce for the chops and cheesy polenta.

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  Recipe

  Cider-Glazed Pork Belly and Brussels Sprouts

  This dish uses a classic flavor combination—pork, Brussels sprouts, and apples—in new ways. The pork is braised and glazed with cider for deep apple flavor and served over a Brussels…

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  Recipe

  Apple Cider Donuts

  These donuts have a double shot of apple, thanks to a shredded apple cooked in cider until both are reduced into a thick purée. This step concentrates the flavors to…

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  Recipe

  Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider

  This is the kind of drink that warms you from the inside out. It scales down easily, making it a nice evening treat when you’re not entertaining, and the rum…

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  Recipe

  Pork Chops and Charred Applesauce

  This applesauce is a great larder staple. The smokiness from charring takes away some of the apples’ natural tartness, the caramelized sugars give it a rich, complex taste, and the…

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  Recipe

  Honey-Balsamic Pulled Pork with Avocado Relish

  Throw a few things in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to fork-tender pork simmering in a rich, sweet sauce. Serve the relish alongside or use it…

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  Recipe

  Cauliflower Steak with Thai Chili Sauce and Sweet Potato Purée

  Although we're not much into meatish fakes, you can indeed turn a firm, large cauliflower into steaks (of a sort) that deserve a knife and a fork. Rather than grill…

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  Recipe

  Cider-Braised Ham with Ginger-Lime Glaze

  Ginger jam in the glaze gives this ham a spicy-sweet kick. Braising makes the meat incredibly juicy and succulent, though you can also roast it (see variation) if you prefer…