The Forgotten History of Cider: Fermenting Wild Berries and Fruits
When we think of cider, apple-based drinks usually come to mind—especially during fall festivals and at craft breweries. However, the history of cider goes far beyond apples. Long before apples dominated cider-making, people brewed ciders using wild berries and other foraged fruits. These wild berry ciders were a way to preserve nature’s bounty and celebrate local, seasonal ingredients. Ancient Origins: Fermentation and Wild Berries Fermentation is an ancient practice, dating back more than 9,000 years. Early humans discovered that fruit, when left to sit, would ferment naturally, turning sugars into alcohol with the help of wild yeasts. Long before apples were cultivated, people used berries and fruits like wild plums, cherries, hawthorn berries, elderberries, and even wild pears to make[…]
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