Have you ever sipped a crisp, refreshing cider and thought, "I wonder if I could make this at home?" Well, good news! With some know-how and simple ingredients, you can create your own delicious cider right in your kitchen. Today, we're going to explore the art of making cider from concentrated apple extract – a method that's perfect for beginners and those short on time or space. So, grab your favourite glass, and let's dive into the world of home cider-making!
The Beauty of Brewing with Concentrate
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why using concentrated apple extract is such a great option for home cider-makers. Traditional cider-making involves pressing fresh apples, which can be time-consuming and requires specialised equipment. Concentrate, however, allows you to skip these steps and get straight to the fermentation process. It's quicker, easier, and still results in a tasty homemade cider that you can be proud of.
The Essential Ingredients: Your Cider-Making Toolkit
You'll need just a handful of ingredients to embark on your cider-making journey. Let's break them down:
- Apple Juice Concentrate (Extract): The Star of the Show
At the heart of your cider will be apple juice concentrate. This is essentially apple juice with most of the water removed, resulting in a thick, sweet syrup. When choosing your concentrate, choose a high-quality product. Check out our range of cider kits, here.
- Water: The Silent Partner
You'll be using water to reconstitute your apple juice concentrate. While it might seem trivial, the quality of your water can significantly impact your cider. Use clean, non-chlorinated water for the best results. If your tap water tastes good, it should be fine. If you're unsure, filtered or distilled water is a safe bet.
- Yeast: The Magical Microorganism
Yeast is what transforms your sweet apple juice into alcoholic cider. For cider-making, you'll want to use a specific cider or wine yeast. Most cider kits will come with the correct strain to use. These strains are selected for their ability to ferment fruit sugars and produce desirable flavour profiles. Popular choices include Lalvin EC-1118 or Mangrove Jack's Cider Yeast. Check out our range of cider yeasts here.
- Yeast Nutrient: Food for Your Tiny Helpers
While not strictly necessary, yeast nutrient can help ensure a healthy fermentation. Apple juice doesn't naturally contain all the nutrients yeast need to thrive, so adding a small amount of yeast nutrient can help prevent stuck fermentations and off-flavours. Check out our range of cider nutrients here.
- Adjunct: Boosting the volume
Depending on your kit, most will require adding an additional sugar source. this can be more cider-extract, cider-enhancer or dextrose.
Equipment Specialist: Required Equipment
For cider-making using extract, you will need some equipment
- Fermenter with a bung, airlock and thermometer strip
- Mixing spoon
- Bottling wand and hose or syphon
- Bottles
- Sanitiser
- Carbonation drops or extra sugar
Or check out our Cider Starter Equipment Kit, here.
The Cider-Making Process: From Concentrate to Glass
Now that we've sorted out your ingredients, let's walk through the cider-making process step by step. Don't worry – it's simpler than you might think!
- Sanitise, Sanitise, Sanitise!
Before you start, it's crucial to sanitise all your equipment. This includes your fermenting vessel, stirring spoon, and anything else that will come into contact with your cider. Proper sanitation prevents unwanted bacteria or wild yeasts from spoiling your brew.
- Reconstitute the Concentrate
Start by diluting your apple juice concentrate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, this involves mixing the concentrate and adjunct sugar with water in a ratio of about a couple of litres of hot water and then diluting to 19 or 23L. Do this in your sanitised fermenting vessel. Many kits include a sweetener to make it easier to get the right balance of sweetness.
- Check and Adjust
At this point, you'll want to check the sugar content or gravity of your juice (also called 'must'). You can do this with a hydrometer, which measures the density of the liquid. For more on gravity reading check out our article Mastering Specific Gravity: The Key to Perfect Homebrew.
- Pitch the Yeast
Now it's time to add your yeast. Check your temperature is in the right range for your yeast - this is usually on the yeast pack or in the kit instructions. If you're using dry yeast, sprinkle it over the surface of your must. If you want to rehydrate it first check out our article Yeast Whispering: Rehydrating Dry Yeast.
- Let the Fermentation Begin!
Seal your fermenting vessel with an airlock (a device that allows CO2 to escape while preventing air from getting in) and store it in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for cider fermentation is between 15-20°C (59-68°F).
Over the next week or two, you'll see bubbles forming in your airlock as the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol and CO2. This is fermentation in action!
- Monitor and Wait
During fermentation, it's best to leave it alone. However, you can monitor its progress by checking the airlock activity and taking hydrometer readings. Fermentation is complete when the bubbling slows down, and your hydrometer reading stabilises. Never rely solely on the airlock to indicate that fermentation is complete.
- Clearing and Bottling
Once fermentation is finished, your brew might look a bit cloudy. You can either bottle it as is for a cloudy cider or let it clear naturally for a week or two. If you're patient, you'll be rewarded with a crystal-clear brew.
When you're ready to bottle, transfer or siphon your cider into sanitised bottles, leaving any sediment behind. If you want it sparkling, you can add a small amount of sugar or carbonation drops before bottling to create natural carbonation.
- Age and Enjoy
If it's a still cider, you can drink it right away but letting it age for a few weeks or even months can really improve the flavour. Store your bottles in a cool, dark place, and resist the temptation to crack them open too soon!
Customising Your Cider: Making It Your Own
One of the joys of home cider making is the ability to experiment and create a drink that's uniquely yours. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Try different kits: Mix and match concentrates for a more complex flavour profile.
- Add other fruits: A splash of pear or berry juice can add interesting dimensions to your cider.
- Spice it up: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can create a warming, autumnal cider.
- Dry hop your cider: Adding hops during fermentation can create a unique, beer-cider hybrid.
Remember, the key to great cider-making is experimentation and patience. Take notes on each batch, and don't be afraid to try new things. With time and practice, you'll craft ciders that rival anything you can buy in a store.
So, there you have it – your guide to making delicious cider from concentrated apple extract. From selecting quality ingredients to mastering the fermentation process, you now have the knowledge to start your cider-making adventure. Remember, the best cider is the one you make yourself, infused with your creativity and passion. Here's to many happy brewing (and tasting) sessions ahead.
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