What is the difference between cider and distilled vinegar?

Cider and distilled vinegar are very different products, even though they share a common starting point: apples. Here's a breakdown:

Cider:

* What it is: Cider is a fermented apple juice. It's alcoholic, with an alcohol content ranging from 1-8%.

* Production: Apples are crushed, pressed to extract their juice, and then fermented with yeast, converting sugar into alcohol.

* Taste: Cider has a sweet, fruity, and sometimes tart taste. It can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet depending on the level of sugar remaining after fermentation.

* Uses: Cider is enjoyed as a beverage, often served chilled. It can also be used in cooking, especially in recipes that benefit from its sweetness and tartness.

Distilled Vinegar:

* What it is: Distilled vinegar is a type of vinegar produced by double fermentation. It's essentially a dilute solution of acetic acid.

* Production: Cider is fermented to produce apple cider vinegar. This vinegar is then distilled to remove impurities and concentrate the acetic acid. It's diluted with water to reach a specific concentration.

* Taste: Distilled vinegar has a sharp, acidic taste. It can be clear or slightly cloudy, with a mild apple flavor.

* Uses: Distilled vinegar is primarily used as a condiment or ingredient in cooking. It's also used in cleaning and pickling.

Key Differences:

* Alcohol Content: Cider is alcoholic, while distilled vinegar is not.

* Production: Cider is made by a single fermentation, while distilled vinegar involves double fermentation and distillation.

* Taste: Cider is sweet and fruity, while distilled vinegar is sharp and acidic.

* Uses: Cider is a beverage, while distilled vinegar is primarily used for cooking and cleaning.

In essence: Cider is a fermented apple juice, while distilled vinegar is a concentrated solution of acetic acid derived from cider.