Perry facts for kids

A special mill (called a quern) used to make perry and cider. This one is from Hellens, a place where many pear trees were planted long ago.

Perry, also known as pear cider, is a refreshing drink made from the juice of pears. It contains alcohol, usually between 5% and 8%.

Perry often has a good amount of natural sugar from the pears. This is different from apple cider, which usually has less sugar.

People make perry in many parts of the world. The countries that produce the most perry are the United Kingdom, France, and Spain.

What is Perry?

Perry is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. It is made by pressing special perry pears to get their juice. This juice is then fermented, which means it is left to change naturally into an alcoholic drink.

How is Perry Made?

Making perry is a lot like making apple cider.

• First, ripe perry pears are picked.
• Next, the pears are crushed to get their juice. This can be done with a special mill called a quern.
• Then, the pear juice is put into large containers.
• Yeast, which are tiny living things, are added to the juice. The yeast eats the natural sugars in the juice and turns them into alcohol and bubbles. This process is called fermentation.
• After fermentation, the perry is ready to be bottled.

Special Perry Pears

Not just any pear can be used to make good perry. There are many special types of perry pears. These pears are often too bitter or hard to eat raw. However, they are perfect for making perry because they have the right balance of sugar, acid, and other things that give perry its unique taste.

Where is Perry Popular?

Perry has a long history, especially in certain regions.

United Kingdom

In the UK, perry is very popular in areas like Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. These places have many old orchards with large perry pear trees. Some of these trees are very old and can grow to be huge.

France

In France, perry is called poiré. It is mostly made in the Normandy and Brittany regions. French poiré is often light and bubbly, similar to sparkling wine.

Spain

In Spain, perry is known as perada. It is enjoyed in several regions, often alongside their famous apple cider.

Images for kids

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  A traditional perry (poiré in French) bottled under cork and cage from Normandy

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  Perry pears growing at Dyrham Park

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  Mature perry pear orchard at Wick Court, near Arlingham: As usual in traditional perry orchards, the trees are of extremely large size.

See also

In Spanish: Perada para niños