Sidra Asturiana: What It Is and How to Drink It

Apple Cider, a Versatile Beverage

Apple cider is a beverage that is mainly produced in England and is very popular in countries like France, Spain, and the Celtic countries. Unfortunately, in Italy, it is almost exclusively present in the north where the cultivation of apple and pear trees is more abundant. Its beneficial properties and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancerous pathologies are well known; it is excellent for the immune system, for seasonal ailments, and for skin health.

So it is a good, versatile drink with many properties. Cider has ancient origins and many variations, including dry cider, sparkling cider, sweet cider, and still cider. Many varieties allow cider to be a drink to be sipped on many occasions, as an aperitif, after meals, during a dinner, to celebrate an event, or perhaps as an accompaniment to a good apple dessert to enhance its flavor. This article will focus on a specific type of cider, Asturian cider, typical of Asturias, the north-western region of Spain.

Asturian Cider

The most popular cider in Spain is Sidra Natural, called natural precisely because it uses no other ingredients than apple juice. It is the traditional Spanish cider, and in the Asturian region, there are a variety of apples that allow for a mix and balance of flavors that initially seem to confuse the palate: in the mouth, one initially perceives the bitterness and acidity of the apple, then immediately afterwards discovers the sweetness and freshness of the fruit. The chosen mix of apple varieties responds to this balance:

• acidic 40%,
• slightly acidic 25-30%,
• sweet 10-15%,
• bitter 5%.

From this mixture, the extracted juice is left to ferment in barrels for 5 to 7 months, resulting in a compound with an alcohol content of about 6%. Given the growing demand, alongside traditional Sidra Natural, there is Filtrada, a filtered natural cider, with a clear and slightly sparkling color; and Espumosa, which is a sparkling cider.

Buying Asturian Cider from Italy

If you want to buy Asturian cider from Italy, the best choice is on Amazon, with convenient prices, free shipping, and fast deliveries. Here are the best offers of Asturian Cider that you can find on Amazon already selected for you.

SPARKLING CIDER LA ASTURIANA BOX OF 6 BOTTLES X 75 CLS

• 4.1% alcohol by volume.
• Gluten-free.
• No added sulfites.

Sidra El Gaitero 75cl

The most famous Asturian Cider in the world

Wine or Cider?

To toast or spend a romantic dinner or with friends, which drink to choose? Wine or cider?

Both originate from the same process, that of fruit fermentation; grapes for wine, apples, or more rarely pears for cider. So what are the differences? Besides the main ingredients, cider has more properties compared to wine.

Thanks to the presence of calcium and potassium, its curative, diuretic, and preventive capabilities, this particular apple juice seems to be preferred. Also, the alcohol content of cider, which ranges from 2 to 8 degrees, is lower than wine, allowing the body to tolerate it without problems and enjoy every single flavor thanks to the variety of apples present in each single glass of cider.

Of course, being both alcoholic beverages, it is necessary to drink them in moderation. There is also the sparkling cider version, similar to sparkling wine, suitable for toasting on important evenings.

Grupo Trabanco

From the Asturian lands comes Trabanco natural cider, produced from the best varieties of cider apples. It is a natural cider, gluten-free, therefore also suitable for celiacs, which ferments with natural yeasts in traditional chestnut barrels, for months.

In Asturian bars, it is certainly the most common cider, with its bright yellow color, it is excellent for starting to drink cider, with its not too sweet but somewhat bitter, almost acidic aroma, leaving a good taste in the mouth.

Excellent not only to sip but also for cooking preparations, such as desserts but also for savory dishes. If you decide to drink a good cider and you have the fortune to be in northern Spain, it is a must to stop in one of the numerous cider houses, to eat typical food and drink unlimited cider.

The most characteristic area where cider production is concentrated is San Sebastian, where numerous Basque cider houses are located. A great way to get more in touch with the culture of this drink that hides a real world. Or you can go to the characteristic taverns for an aperitif and enter the real atmosphere of the place.

Liquors in Spain

Spain is a rich and prosperous land from a gastronomic point of view, for its typical dishes, cold cuts, and cheeses and wines, in addition to the variety of ciders concentrated in the northern regions, sangria, but also for the selection of liquors, excellent to sip at the end of a meal.

There are many types of liquors that this territory can offer, all obtainable from raw materials. Such as Hierbas, obtained from the maceration of Albarino grapes with a selection of herbs; Pacharan obtained from the maceration in anise of sloe; Cardinal Mendoza, a distilled aged brandy; if you like rum, try Ron y miel, a honey-based liqueur, very sweet but not cloying.

Spain is a rich land for the palate, with a thousand flavors and smells. If you are not yet particularly into the varied world of cider but want to start knowing and tasting it and maybe you are interested in Spanish culture, its gastronomic offer, certainly Sidra Natural is the right answer because it is not particularly intense and strong and can be enjoyed on any occasion and can adapt to every palate, from the most demanding to the most inexperienced.