Seeds to Orchards: The Origins of Apple Cider as We Know It Today

When the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of apple cider to celebrate the season. Whether served cold or warm with our Mulled Cider Spice, apple cider has become a beloved autumn tradition. But many do not know the origins of this ancient drink. 

The history of apple cider stretches back thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilizations and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The Ancient Origins of Apple Cider

Before apple cider there had to be an apple. Scholars have traced the origins of apple to Central Asia in the area of modern-day Kazakhstan. The earliest varieties of this fruit were much more bitter than they are today so they were enjoyed by pressing them into a juice and allowing it to ferment. 

This process created an alcoholic beverage that we now know as hard cider.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, when Romans arrived in the British Isles in 55 B.C., local populations were already enjoying a cider-like beverage made from apples. The Romans enjoyed this drink so much they brought it back to their empire and the drink spread through Europe inn regions including England, France, Spain. 

The drink spread to England when the Norman invaded area in the 9th century, and brought with them apple orchards and the word "cider" entered the English language. 

Apple Cider Makes Its Way to America

When European colonists arrived in North America during the 1600s, they brought apple seeds and the cider-making traditions with them.

During this era, cider quickly became a household staple. Early settlers discovered that growing the barley and grains needed for beer could be challenging in New England, but apple trees thrived in the region.

Unlike the sweet, nonalcoholic cider we enjoy today, colonial cider was typically fermented. It could be stored for extended periods and was often considered a cleaner and more nutritious beverage than untreated drinking water.

There was even a weaker, lower-alcohol version called applekin, which was served to children.

Johnny Appleseed's Connection to Cider

For those who don't know the legendary story of Johnny Appleseed, he was a man who traveled across America planting apple trees specifically for creating cider. 

Johnny Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman, helped establish apple orchards throughout the American frontier during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Many of the trees grown from seeds produced sour and bitter apples that weren't particularly tasty on their own, but perfect for pressing into cider.

His work helped expand apple cultivation across the growing nation, contributing to America's cider-making traditions.

How Apple Cider Changed Over Time

The popularity of the drink declined in the mid 1800s as immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe settled throughout the Midwest and brought with them the popularity of beer.

The alcoholic beverage industry as a whole faced another setback in the 1920s when Prohibition began. But fortunately cider did not disappear completely. 

Eventually sweet, nonalcoholic apple cider along with the more traditional hard cider experienced a revival and became the seasonal favorite we know today. 

The Tradition of Spiced Cider

While we all know fresh apple cider is delicious on its own, warming it with spices creates an entirely different experience that has its own history and traditions. 

According to the Weald and Downland Living Museum, spiced drinks have roots in the European custom of wassailing.

The word wassail comes from the Old English toast "Waes Hael," which means "be well" or "good health" and a person would respond with "Drink Hael" which translates to "drink well." Over time, elements of this toast carried into the the celebration of Wassailing. This occurred among gatherings of people during the time of Twelfth Night when a good harvest occurred but the harsh winter was yet to come. 

Wassailing took two main forms: house-visiting and orchard wassailing. During house-visiting celebrations, groups traveled from door to door singing songs and offering good wishes. They often carried a decorated bowl filled with warm cider spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to share among participants. 

During orchard wassailing, villagers gathered among the apple trees to encourage a successful harvest in the coming year. They would often hang pieces of cider-soaked toast in the branches of their oldest or most productive apple trees as an offering to the spirits believed to protect the orchard. Participants would then sing, shout, and bang pots and pans to frighten away evil spirits that might threaten the next harvest.

Although wassailing traditions have changed, mulled apple cider is a favorite at holiday gatherings, autumn festivals, and cozy evenings at home. Its sweet aroma and comforting spices make it a seasonal classic especially when it is made using the Mulled Cider Spice from the Cheese Haus. 

A Taste of History in Every Spiced Sip

From ancient apple orchards to modern Michigan cider mills, apple cider has traveled a remarkable journey. What began as a practical way to use the apple harvest has become a tradition that brings people together year after year.

So the next time you pour yourself a glass of apple cider, remember: you're enjoying a tradition thousands of years in the making!