Ah, the crisp taste of a cold glass of cider on a hot summer day. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. But have you ever stopped to think about where the apples that make that cider come from? Using locally sourced apples for cider production is not only better for the environment, but it also has a variety of benefits for your taste buds and your local community. In this blog post, we’ll explore the juicy benefits of using locally sourced apples for cider production.

  1. Freshness: One of the biggest benefits of using locally sourced apples is freshness. Local apples don’t have to travel far to get to the cider house, so they retain their crispness and flavor. This means that the cider made from these apples will taste fresher and better than cider made from apples that have been transported from afar.
  2. Supporting Local Farms: Using locally sourced apples for cider production supports local farmers and their families. By buying local, you’re helping to keep money in your community and ensuring that farmers can continue to grow and produce quality apples for years to come.
  3. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Transporting apples from far away places requires a lot of energy and creates a significant carbon footprint. By using locally sourced apples, you’re reducing the distance the apples need to travel and thus, reducing the amount of emissions produced.
  4. Greater Control Over the Product: When you source apples locally, you have more control over the quality of the product. You can work with the farmers to ensure that the apples are grown in a way that meets your standards for taste and quality.
  5. Unique Flavor Profiles: Different regions have different apple varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile. By using locally sourced apples, cider producers can experiment with different varieties and create unique and exciting flavor combinations.
  6. Cider Tourism: Using locally sourced apples can also be a draw for tourism. Visitors to the area may want to try a locally sourced cider made with apples that are unique to the region. This can help to promote the local economy and increase tourism revenue.
  7. Positive Reputation: Consumers are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that have a positive impact on the environment and their communities. Using locally sourced apples for cider production can help to build a positive reputation for your business and attract customers who are interested in buying local and sustainable products.
  8. Supporting Biodiversity: By using locally sourced apples, you’re supporting the preservation of biodiversity in your region. Local apple varieties are often more diverse and unique than commercial apple varieties, and by supporting local farmers, you’re helping to preserve these varieties for future generations.
  9. Cost-Effective: Transporting apples from far away can be expensive, but by using locally sourced apples, cider producers can save on transportation costs and potentially pass those savings onto consumers.
  10. Healthier Option: Local apples are often grown using fewer pesticides and chemicals than commercially grown apples, making them a healthier option for cider production.

Using locally sourced apples for cider production has a variety of benefits for producers, consumers, and the environment. From freshness and unique flavor profiles to supporting local farms and reducing carbon footprints, there are plenty of reasons to choose locally sourced apples for your next batch of cider. So, next time you’re enjoying a cold glass of cider, take a moment to appreciate the juicy benefits of using locally sourced apples.