When it comes to apple-based beverages, there always appears to be some ambiguity, so it seems like a good time to finally settle the issue. If you've ever wondered what makes apple juice different from cider while you're in the grocery store, you're not alone. It's a problem that has troubled humans for many generations. Naturally, both contain apples, and visually, they are fairly similar. Given the manner in which apple cider and juice are marketed, packed, and labelled, it is easy to become perplexed.
The definition of apple juice seems obvious. It is the juice extracted from an apple. It can be stored in or out of the refrigerator until opened. And the juice is primarily consumed cold and rarely seasoned beyond its natural form. Juice cartons available all over the place contain this golden-hued beverage. Most likely, when you were a child, you drank from a juice box or two. Despite being classified as a kid-friendly beverage, this juice is a favourite of both adults and children and is a standard in most refrigerators.
Because it is not filtered or pasteurized, apple cider must be kept chilled after it is prepared and packaged. Its shelf life is therefore substantially shorter, about seven to ten days. It is advised to use or consume the apple cider within three days of the bottle being opened.
Apple cider production is a fairly simple procedure because the steps to follow are simple and the materials used are fewer. Another distinguishing feature of apple cider comes from its lack of refinement. The murky liquid usually contains more apple particles, and sweeteners are not usually present in it. Since the apple pulp has not been removed, apple cider frequently has a foggy or hazy appearance.
How Do These Beverages Compare?
•Both hot and cold apple cider are acceptable choices, although many cider lovers have their own preferences. On the other hand, apple juice is rarely served warm or heated.
•Compared to apple juice, which after filtration has a diluted, lighter colour, apple cider is more opaque and reddish.
•To increase its shelf life, apple juice is typically blended with sugar, water, or other additions like preservatives after being filtered to remove the pulp. Simply put, apple cider is an entire apple that has not been sweetened.
•Compared to apple juice, which is lighter and sweeter, apple cider is tangier and has a deeper, richer apple flavour. However, you can substitute apple juice for apple cider and vice versa in many recipes.
•Apple juice that hasn't been opened or chilled can last up to almost two years, while juice that has been opened can last between ten and twenty-one days (depending on the quality). On the other hand, apple cider must be eaten within seven to 10 days.