Author: Ben Watson
Year: 1999 updated 2009, 2013
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 208
Price new: £6.02 (Amazon)*
*accurate at the time of posting
Description: (TLDR)
The back of the book says it quite nicely, informative, easy to read.
On the back of the book it says:
Drinking fresh or "sweet" cider is an annual fall tradition, it's taste reminiscent of crisp sunny days, bright foliage and ripe fruits. Currently, alcoholic or "hard" cider is enjoying a popularity hasn't seen in 150 years. Today hard cider is readily available as a lighter alternative to grape wines or a refreshing alternative to beer. Many cider lovers don't realize, though, that this elegantly simple beverage is incredibly easy to make, and that producing excellent home made cider, both hard and sweet, is well within reach of any enthusiast.
In this richly informative and entertaining book, Ben Watson explores the cultural and historical roots of cider. He introduces us to it's different styles--including draft, farmhouse, French, New England, and sparkling--as well as apple wine and related products like apple juice and cider vinegar, and gives complete instructions for how to make them yourself at home with minimal time and equipment. This updated full-colour edition also provides:
detailed information on advanced techniques like barrel fermentation;
a chapter devoted to perry, or pear cider;
recipes for cooking with cider;
a celebration and description of Calvados (apple brandy), pommeau, ice cider, and Spanish sidra; and
advice on the best varieties of apples for cider.
Cider, Hard and Sweet teaches the reader how to recognize good cider and encourages us to make the leap from buying it to making the genuine article at home. A fascinating cultural document as well as a how-to-book, it will appeal to anyone who appreciates good food and drink.
BEN WATSON is a writer, editor, food and farm activist, and the author of several books, including Acts of God: The Old Farmers Almanac Unpredictable Guide to Weather and Natural Disasters and Taylor's Guide to Heirloom Vegetables. He is also coauthor of Passport to Gardening and The Slow Food Guide to New York City. Watson lives in New Hampshire.
