Introduction
With the growing concern over gluten sensitivity, people are looking for alternatives to gluten-rich foods and beverages, and that includes beer. However, not many people know that hard cider can be a perfect substitute for beer without the gluten content. This article will explore the gluten-free aspect of hard cider, its benefits, and some essential tips for enjoying hard ciders as a gluten-sensitive person.
What is Hard Cider?
Hard cider is an alcoholic beverage made from apple juice, which undergoes a fermentation process. It is an old drink, with a rich history dating back centuries. Today, it is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, especially in the United States and the UK. Cider production involves a significant range of apple varieties grown specifically for cider production, and only some of them can produce high-quality cider.
Gluten-Free Alert: Hard Cider as an Alternative to Beer!
Beer is traditionally made from malted barley, wheat, and hops, which contain gluten that can cause health problems for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is essential to know that not all hard ciders are gluten-free, but more brands are taking steps to produce gluten-free cider to cater to their gluten-sensitive consumers. Before choosing a cider to drink, check the label for the gluten-free certification or consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Compared to beer, gluten-free hard cider has a sweeter taste and can come in various fruit flavors. It can also have a lower alcohol content than beer and still provide the desired intoxication for a relaxing experience. In terms of nutrition, hard ciders have fewer calories than beers of the same alcohol strength, and many gluten-free ciders are a blend of fresh fruits and spices that provide other nutrients as well.
The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Hard Ciders: Everything You Need to Know!
The gluten content in cider comes mainly from the yeast used during the cider-making process or additives. Not all yeast strains are gluten-free, but there are specific strains of yeast that are used in the gluten-free production process. By choosing gluten-free cider, one can avoid the probability of contamination with gluten and enjoy the drink without the risk of adverse reactions.
The process of hard cider production involves crushing apples to extract the juice that is then fermented with yeast. The fermentation process takes place in a controlled environment, where the cidermaker observes the quality of the cider to ensure that it is gluten-free. The hard cider is then aged in barrels to mature for several months before bottling.
The hard cider market offers various types of ciders to choose from, depending on the preferred taste, style, and sweetness. Some of the most popular types of hard cider include Traditional, Ice, Sparkling, and Perry, among others. Each type of cider has its unique taste and texture, and the choice of cider depends on the preference of the consumer.
Top 5 Gluten-Free Hard Ciders You Need to Try in 2021!
There are various gluten-free hard cider brands available in the market, and the following are the top five gluten-free hard ciders that we suggest you try:
1. Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
2. Ace Joker Hard Cider
3. Strongbow Gold Apple Cider
4. Woodchuck Cider Hard Apple Cider
5. Magners Irish Cider
These ciders are widely available and offer a range of flavors for a delightful tasting experience. The crisp apple flavor from Angry Orchard and Strongbow Gold Apple have a smooth taste with a burst of apple flavors. Ace Joker Hard Cider is perfect for people who love sour ciders, while Woodchuck Cider has subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Magners Irish Cider is perfect for people looking for a sweet cider with fruity notes.
Pairing Gluten-Free Hard Ciders with Your Favorite Foods!
One of the benefits of enjoying gluten-free hard cider is the numerous options for pairing with different meals and desserts. The natural sweetness and tartness of cider make it a perfect choice for accompanying various cuisines. Ciders pair excellently with grilled and roasted meats, especially pork, which gets a fantastic flavor from the cider marinade. Seafood, salads, and cheese platters pair well with fruit and spiced ciders.
For desserts, ciders pair well with apple-based dishes such as apple pie, apple crumble, and apple tart. Ciders also complement other desserts like cheesecake, bread pudding, and chocolate cake. The versatility of cider makes it an excellent choice for trying out new ideas in cuisine.
The Benefits of Drinking Gluten-Free Hard Cider!
Gluten-free hard cider comes with many benefits, such as:
1. Gluten-free: gluten-free ciders are suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
2. Low calorie: hard ciders have fewer calories than beers of the same alcohol strength, making them a better option for those watching their calorie intake.
3. Nutritious: high quality hard ciders made using fresh fruit and spices contain vitamins and minerals that have numerous health benefits to the body.
4. Perfect for socializing: hard cider provides a pleasant tasting alternative for social drinkers who want to take a break from beer drinking. The sweet and fruity taste is quite appealing for the taste buds, making hard ciders perfect for any social event.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Hard Cider at Home!
If you are a cider fan who wants to experience making your gluten-free cider at home, here is a guide that can help;
1. Pick the apples: pick apples specifically for cider making, such as tannic and acidic varieties.
2. Clean and sanitize: clean and sanitize your equipment to avoid contamination that will spoil the cider.
3. Press the apples: crush the apples to extract the juice.
4. Add yeast: add gluten-free yeast to the cider, which converts sugar to alcohol during fermentation.
5. Fermentation: allow the cider to ferment in a controlled environment for a few weeks.
6. Aging and bottling: allow the cider to age in barrels for a few months before bottling.
Conclusion
Gluten-free hard cider provides a perfect alternative for beer drinking for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Hard cider has a unique sweet flavor, and different brands offer a variety of flavors to choose from. People can enjoy their hard ciders with different food pairings, making it a perfect drink for social events. Gluten-free hard cider is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to beer drinking.
