Apfelwein facts for kids
Apfelwein with Bembel
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| Type | Cider |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Color | Gold |
| Ingredients | Granny Smith or Bramley Apples |
Apfelwein (say "AP-fel-vine") is a German word for cider. It's also known as Viez or Most in different parts of Germany. This drink is made from a mix of sour apples, like "Bohnapfel" or "Speierling" apples.
Apfelwein has an alcohol content of about 4.8% to 7.0%. It has a tart, sour taste that many people find refreshing.
Apfelwein has many regional nicknames. In the Hesse region, people often call it Ebbelwoi or Äppler. Sometimes, restaurants might call the drink Schoppen, which is actually the name for the special glass it's served in. In areas like Moselfranken and Saarland, it's known as Viez. This name comes from a Latin word meaning "second wine." Most is another name, especially in Austria and Switzerland. There's also saurer Most (sour must) which is the alcoholic version, and Süßmost (sweet must) which is just apple juice.
In the Frankfurt area, people sometimes add berries from a tree called the service tree (Sorbus domestica). Adding these berries makes the Apfelwein taste a bit more tart. This special type of Apfelwein is called Speierling. Today, the name Speierling is often used for any more sour Apfelwein, even if it doesn't have service tree juice.
How Apfelwein is Made
Apfelwein is made from pressed apples. First, the apples are crushed to get their juice, which is called "must." Then, yeast is added to the juice. The yeast helps the sugar in the juice turn into alcohol. This process is called fermentation. After fermentation, you get an alcoholic drink that usually has about 6% alcohol.
Sometimes, unprocessed juice from a small, native tree called Speierling (Sorbus domestica) is added. This tree is an endangered species.
Where Apfelwein is Popular
Apfelwein is mostly made and enjoyed in Hesse, a state in Germany. It's even the state drink there! You'll find it especially in the Frankfurt, Wetterau, and Odenwald areas. It's also popular in Moselfranken, Merzig (Saarland), and the Trier area. People also drink it in the lower Saar area and near Luxembourg.
There are some big companies that make Apfelwein, but many small, private producers also make it using old family recipes. Some of the most famous restaurants that serve Apfelwein are in Sachsenhausen (Frankfurt am Main), a part of Frankfurt.
These regions often have fun cider competitions and fairs. Small, local producers take part in these events. People even compose and sing special cider songs! In the Merzig region, they crown a "Viez Queen," and in the lower Saar area, they crown a "Viez King."
See also
In Spanish: Apfelwein para niños
