An apple is considered to be the antidote to a stressful trip to the doctor. Its counterparts in liquid forms, Apple juice and Apple cider, are also widely consumed worldwide.
While both liquids are derived from the same raw materials, knowing the difference between them is essential before consuming them.
Key Takeaways
- Apple juice is a clear, filtered liquid made from apples, while the apple cider is a less processed, opaque liquid with a more robust flavor.
- Apple juice undergoes pasteurization and additional filtration, resulting in a longer shelf life, while apple cider has a shorter shelf life due to minimal processing.
- Apple cider retains more of the apple’s natural flavors and nutrients, while apple juice has a milder, sweeter taste.
Apple Juice vs Apple Cider
The difference between apple juice and apple cider is that Apple juice is a more treated and filtered version of the liquid potion, while cider is a raw and pulpy beverage. Apple juice contains its taste and forms over a more extended period than cider, which tends to ferment over time.
Both the liquid extracts of the beneficial Apple. The treatment changes its properties and taste. While Cider is a heavier drink, juice is considered to be a lighter version.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Apple Juice | Apple Cider |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Form | Changes its state from a concentrated version to a liquid during the process | Remains in the form of liquid during the entire process |
| Texture | Transparent | Caramel colored-Cloudy |
| Taste | Sweet in taste | Tangy-a mixture of sweet and sour |
| Can react and ferment | No- the concentration and further processes prevent this reaction. | Yes |
| Pasteurized | Yes-resulting in a change of texture and flavour from the raw apple | May or may not- If unpasteurized, the fermentation process starts much more quickly |
What is Apple Juice?
Apple juice is the name given to the outcome of extracted, further purified, and filtered version of the liquid pressed from the apples.
Apples go through various processes, eventually resulting in juice making. Initially, the crop is harvested, and the fresh apples are sorted and washed for grating.
The grates are then compressed to extract the juice from the apples. This juice then passes through a heating process of almost 175 Fahrenheit. This kills off the harmful microbes from the fluid and extends the shelf life.
After pasteurization, the juice is filtered through different vessels and filters at a temperature of 185 Fahrenheit; this removes the dregs of the pulp along with denser molecules from the liquid, making it smoother and lighter.
The final liquid is concentrated so that the result is a smooth mixture.
Apple juice has several health benefits. The fibre and acidic molecules assist in reducing symptoms of allergy, cancer growth, constipation, and blockages.
The antioxidants aid in protecting the brain from harm. The present vitamins assist in attaining fresh skin along with sharper eyesight. As a filling liquid, it quickly hydrates the body.
With pros, there are some cons of the juice as well. The high sugar levels can lead to tooth degeneration and a spike in the body’s sugar level. The antioxidants can cause kidney and intestinal problems.
The recommended intake of apple juice is around 0.25 litres per day.
What is Apple Cider?
Apple cider is the name given to the crudest form of a liquid apple. The apples are picked, mashed, and squashed to extract the liquid.
The natural yeast in the apples tends to react with the air molecules. As a result of this, the Cider tends to turn fizzy and eventually alcoholic.
To lower the fermentation period, the Cider is made to go through a pasteurization process. When it is unpasteurized, the fermentation starts in some days only.
Apple cider is dark-coloured and relatively cloudy in appearance. It is a denser drink as starch particles and other pulp is not completely strained from the liquid.
While Apple cider helps strengthen immunity and support digestion. Too much intake can lead to dental issues. It also tends to provoke specific allergies!
Apple cider goes through a two-process fermentation that provokes the acids in it, turning it into the famous apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, and as a medicine is widely consumed. Especially people on a diet take in Apple cider in or along their daily meals.
Apple cider vinegar is also used as a kitchen ingredient as a salad dressing to enhance the taste of food and raw vegetables. Apple Cider has a strong flavour. Thus, many people favour and take a diluter version.
The recommended quantity of apple cider intake is almost 0.03 litres per day in diluted form.
Main Differences Between Apple Juice and Apple Cider
A closer look reveals that the juice and apple can be differentiated:
- While on the whole, both beverages majorly go through the same process for their raw material. Apple juice goes through different enzymes and heating processes, which a cider does not have to take.
- As a result of being pasteurized and due to the addition of preservatives, juice has a longer life of months, while cider is unpreserved and thus can stir up over time, turning alcoholic and changing its properties; therefore should be consumed within some days only.
- Cider is made from apples harvested before the active picking spell, while juices are made from entirely ripe apples harvested on time.
- Apple cider is the liquid extracted from the apples. While the juice is concentrated at different times, and finally, the water is added to it before the final packaging.
- Apple juice comparatively has a clearer look, while apple cider has a cloudy look of a suspension.
- Apple juice is widely available throughout the year, while Cider is mostly available during harvest time.
- https://jfoodprotection.org/doi/abs/10.4315/0362-028X-72.5.937
- https://aem.asm.org/content/64/11/4533.short
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9011776
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