Expert: Paul Wagner - 9/7/2006

Question
 What is the differance between apple juice and apple cider?  and how is apple cider made.

Answer
Hi Bill:

There are some regional differences in the USA about these terms, but here is a quick outline.

1.  If it is apple juice that has been fermented, so that it is an alcoholic drink, it is called apple cider, or hard cider.

2.  If it comes in a carton at the store, or frozen concentrate, it is usually called apple juice.

3.  In some parts of the country, apple cider is also used to describe fresh made apple juice--often unfiltered and a bit cloudy.  The name implies freshness and purity, over the "store-bought" variety.

Does that help?

Paul Wagner