If there is such a thing as apple cider season, it is now. I mean, right now: October and maybe into November, at least until Big Eggnog takes over.
The season when cider feels like magic is short, just a few weeks, so you don’t want to waste any time drinking iffy, inferior ciders. What you need is a cider from an orchard that has been in operation for nearly 100 years. The cider you seek would be Bauman Orchards 100% Apple Cider.
Fair question: What would less than 100% Apple Cider be?
Answer: We’re not sure, but disclosing the percentage is actually a law. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has required juice labeling components, and its example for Apple Cider uses the term “100%” too.
Next question: Remind me, what’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?
Answer: Apple cider is more delicious. But that’s a subjective call. Traditionally, cider is less filtered and also a darker amber color. That’s probably what makes it more delicious, but we’ll get to that.
Bauman Orchards is based in Rittman, Ohio, and has been family owned since 1929. It’s got a healthy apple operation and makes cider well into spring. So, you can enjoy its wares for months ahead. That said, its apple cider tastes like autumn in particular and its smoother than apple juice, less cloying and aggressive. Its cider is good icy cold, it’s good warm. It’s good fussed up with cinnamon. You can find it in the refrigerator section in area gourmet grocers -we found ours at Hills.
Wait, one more question: apple cider vinegar is supposed to be good for you. Can you turn apple cider into apple cider vinegar?
Answer: Theoretically, yes. According to the internet, you basically leave your cider out to spoil, and mother nature does the rest of the job. We’re not endorsing any of that, though. There probably won’t be cider leftovers anyway.
For more information, visit baumanorchards.com.