When the leaves fall, tourists flock to New England for our renowned foliage, cozy pumpkin patches, apple pie, warm donuts, and apple cider. In chemistry, my table had a conversation and we agreed that we enjoy apple cider more than apple juice, but why? They are basically the same type of drink, right? Is it because apple cider is only available during the fall? Or is it because apple juice is just so readily available that people get bored of the drink? Well, fun fact, but apple cider is actually way healthier than apple juice! This leads to a richer taste and because of this, it is a fan favorite among the population.
What’s the difference?
Apple cider refers to apple juice that has not been strained of all apple pulp, like pulp free orange juice. With the apple pulp, it contains more apple polyphenols which improves digestion, blood sugar levels, protects against blood clots, brain function, and even helps prevent cancer. Cider contains 2-4 times more polyphenols than regular apple juice. Yes, depending on the type of the apple juice bought, it may be healthier and have less sugar than the normal apple juice, but cider will always be healthier.
What are polyphenols?
A polyphenol is a compound which contains more than one hydroxyl group. A hydroxyl group is when -OH is present, which is mostly present in alcohols and organic compounds. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, the polyphenols help lower the risk of cancer. The compounds in the polyphenols help turn on body antioxidant enzymes and may help stimulate the destruction of abnormal cells, like cancer cells.
But…
Apple cider will not fully be pasteurized. Since apple cider comes directly from the farm mill to bottles, it may not be rid of all bacteria. However, eating an apple is always the best source of phytochemicals. After all, an apple a day keeps the doctors away!