The cider is one of the traditional drinks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Mexico. It is a drink with a low alcoholic content and a refreshing flavor, but do you know its origin? Here we tell you.
This drink is considered one of the best options among liquors. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, so it offers great health benefits.
Origin of cider
The word cider comes from the Greek síkerawhich is traced to Latin as truewhich means “intoxicating drink”.
According to several historians, there are vestiges that show that, before our era, the civilizations of Egypt, Byzantium and Greece they drank cider.
Later the Romans learned about this drink when they expanded their empire, however the use they gave it was with curative purposes.
On the other hand, the researchers point out that cider originated in Celtic settlements, who extracted it from apples. It is even said that it was this civilization that spread it throughout Europe.
The custom of making cider came to America with the arrival of the Europeans. Cider was also consumed in Spain, so the drink came to Mexico after the conquest.
How is it produced?
The cider making process is somewhat similar to that of wine.. First the apples are grown and harvested. Sorting is then done: damaged or rotten apples are used to make other products.
Subsequently, the selected apples must be washed very well and from there they are passed to the mill where they are scraped.
Now, the next step is to press them in order to obtain all the juice from this fruit. Once all the liquid is obtained it is fermented in special barrels, whether made of wood, fiberglass or steel. The fermentation process lasts about three months.
Finally, once the drink is fermented, it is bottled and from there it is ready to be enjoyed at home.
Places in Mexico that prepare it
Puebla is one of the most important producers of this apple-based drink in our country. The municipalities of Huejotzingo and Zacatlán de las Manzanasare the main producers of cider.
The cider that is made in these places has a sweet flavor as its main characteristic. For this reason, it is an ideal accompaniment for Christmas and New Year’s dinners and toasts.
So now you know, do not miss the opportunity to toast with your family and loved ones during these December festivities. Health!