why did they drink cider?

1. Availability: Apples were widely grown and abundant in many regions, making cider a readily available and affordable drink.

2. Nutritional Value: Cider contains vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients, making it a healthier option compared to other alcoholic beverages.

3. Refreshing Taste: Cider has a refreshing and crisp taste, making it a popular choice during warm weather or after physical exertion.

4. Social Gatherings: Cider was commonly consumed during social gatherings, festivals, and celebrations. In some cultures, it held cultural and symbolic significance.

5. Preservation: In the absence of refrigeration, cider was a way to preserve apple juice and prevent it from spoiling. The fermentation process helped extend the shelf life of the beverage.

6. Lack of Alternative Options: In some regions, clean drinking water was scarce, making alcoholic beverages like cider safer to consume than untreated water.

7. Religious and Cultural Practices: Cider has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals throughout history, such as wassailing in Europe and hard cider in parts of the United States.

8. Health Beliefs: Some cultures believed that drinking cider had medicinal benefits and could aid digestion, boost energy levels, and improve overall health.

9. Economic Factors: Cider production was an important economic activity in many areas, providing employment and income to local communities.

10. Local Tradition: Cider drinking became ingrained in the traditions and customs of certain regions, passing down through generations as a cherished cultural practice.