Records of cider’s lengthy and diverse history in the UK go at least as far back as the Roman era. Traditional, authentic cider made from apples grown nearby has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. What, though, makes true cider unique from other apple-based beverages like perry and pear cider?
Real cider is produced solely from fresh apple juice, without the addition of any sugar, flavors, or other fillers. The juice of the apples is often fermented using natural yeasts, giving the cider its distinct flavor and personality. Real cider frequently has a hazy or cloudy appearance and a sour, nuanced flavor that varies depending on the type of apple used.
Perry, on the other hand, is a beverage prepared from fermented pear juice and is occasionally referred to as “pear cider.” It is usually produced without additional sweeteners or flavors, just like authentic cider. Perry is frequently served as a dessert wine or aperitif and has a lighter, sweeter flavor than cider.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Babycham, a brand of sparkling perry, gained popularity in the UK. Its unusual deer logo and sweet, fruity flavor set it apart. Babycham has become a cultural symbol in the UK and is still consumed by many even though it is not a typical, authentic perry.
Apple scrumping, or apple snatching from orchards, is a name used to characterize this behavior. Despite being against the law, scrumping has permeated British legend and is frequently connected to the creation of authentic, traditional cider. Small-scale cider producers may use scrumping to gain access to high-quality apples that would otherwise be wasted.
Scrumpy vs. cider is the final point of discussion. Scrumpy is a type of traditional, genuine cider that is frequently produced in England’s West Country. It is renowned for its hazy appearance, substantial amount of alcohol, and potent, fruity flavor. Although the names “scrumpy” and “cider” are sometimes used interchangeably, scrumpy is actually a sort of cider that is produced using conventional techniques and regional apple types.
In conclusion, authentic cider is unadulterated, traditional apple juice that has undergone fermentation. It generally looks foggy and has a rich, sour flavor. Perry, a comparable beverage produced from fermented pear juice, and Babycham, a type of sparkling perry that has gained notoriety in the UK, are two examples. Scrumpy is a traditional, authentic cider that is renowned for its high alcohol level and robust, fruity flavor. Scrumping is a phrase used to describe the criminal act of stealing apples for cider manufacturing.
The act of stealing apples or other fruit from someone else’s property without that person’s consent is referred to as “scrumping” in slang. Using locally grown apples that may have been “scrumped” from surrounding orchards or hedgerows, scrumping is also related to the making of traditional, farmhouse-style ciders in the context of the article.