In-cider Information
In-cider Information
Hard Cider is apple cider that has been naturally fermented into alcohol and goes long back to our pioneer roots. Apples and hard cider have a long history, eventually making their way to New Jersey with the early settlers. Apples were primarily used in our region for cider and hard cider, (aka Apple Jack), as… Read More »
Hard Cider is apple cider that has been naturally fermented into alcohol and goes long back to our pioneer roots. Apples and hard cider have a long history, eventually making their way to New Jersey with the early settlers. Apples were primarily used in our region for cider and hard cider, (aka Apple Jack), as this area provided the right climate for growing apples for the early settlers, more than growing wheat, barley, or hops. Apple production was one of the earliest crops in our region and is still an important crop to us today.
Apples are in season in Chester, N.J. typically, from August through the end of November and are the origins of hard cider. We farm over 60 acres of apples growing over 50 different kinds, using the apples that we grow for our apple cider, apples for sale in our markets & farm stands, and CSA as well as for our farm-to-table catering on our farm. Tomasello Winery is the mastermind behind turning our delicious apple juice into hard cider for sale in our farm store. Our fresh pressed apple cider is also used in locally produced hard ciders by Burnt Mills Cider next door in Bedminster.
Hard Cider is making its appearance as a popular drink in this area due to the popularity of the craft brew and craft cocktail movement. Cider is naturally gluten free and fruit based making it appealing to the more health conscious consumer. It’s a great way to enjoy a local adult beverage with an added bonus of antioxidants and vitamin c and pectin. Pectin has been shown to have possible gut health benefits for improving your good bacteria microbiome helping with better digestion and immunity.
Hard cider is also taking the culinary world by storm whereas; more cooks are substituting white wine for hard cider providing a more seasonal and varietal flavor substitute. Hard cider is excellent to replace the liquids in braising meats while adding complex flavors to the dish. Braising is a cooking method that breaks down the tissue in meats after searing in the juices so it’s no wonder why cider makes an excellent choice.
Baking is another fantastic use for hard cider due to its sweet, acidic and apple-y flavor, think apple cider donuts! Substitute hard apple cider for the acid you would use in your recipe. Acids are needed in baking to act as the base to leaven and provide little bubbles that help the baked good rise. Adding hard cider builds on the flavor profile of your recipes while adding a bit of unique tangy taste.
Dressings, gravies and sauces are complimented with the addition of hard cider to replace the acid or white wine in the original recipes to impart that complex flavor to enhance your dishes. A delicious seasonal hard apple cider vinaigrette is a wonderful compliment to autumnal vegetables like onions, squash, or Brussels sprouts. Hard cider gravies and sauces enhance meat and fish stews and dishes along with imparting a delicious flavor to risottos and mashed potatoes.
I’m sure by now we have your taste buds convinced to try hard cider by sipping or adding to
your favorite recipes this winter. You can enjoy fresh local cider by conveniently visiting Tomasello Winery located inside our farm store in Chester.
Cheers to a happy and healthy new year filled with many blessings. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, substitute our apple cider instead of hard cider. Better yet, make non-alcoholic mulled cider with this recipe and fill your house with the warm aromas of cloves, cinnamon, and apples. Watch this video for sweet end-of-year greetings and a hard cider tip from our culinary specialist, Miss Jenn.
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours! XO
