My vocabulary continues to expand as I research the discipline of the culinary arts. I did know what a bakery and a creamery produce. But recently I learned about the operations of a krautery and a meadery. And just this past weekend at the Ambler Farmers' Market I was introduced to a new term in the name of a Berks County business, The Frecon Cidery.
Located in picturesque Boyertown just beyond the Montgomery County border in southeastern Pennsylvania the Frecon family has been growing a variety of fruit for sale since 1944. It was back then that Richard Frecon purchased the Boyertown Fruit Farms and with the help of his wife began to operate a roadside stand selling directly to the public. Since that humble beginning and several generations later Frecon Farms is now a full service retail operation with a large farm market on the property. The growing season begins in mid June with the cherry crop and proceeds through the summer with apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, blueberries, red raspberries, pears, and pumpkins in the Fall. But their mainstay continues to be the 16 varieties of apples that are used to make everything from hard cider to apple cider vinegar.
Cider was once an integral part of early American life. Not only was it consumed as a favored beverage, it was also a vital source of nutrition and hydration. The lack of potable water in many regions of the country made lightly fermented cider one of the most critical sources of life giving liquid. Thus orchards were a welcome part of practically every farm in the newly formed nation.
The blending of various apples continues to be a culinary art form in the creation of a distinctive taste to cider. There are 4 main categories of apples that are involved in the process: Bittersharps, Sharps, Bittersweets, and Sweets. Frecon Farms currently produces three varieties of hard cider, each with their own personality and taste profile. And all gluten free. They also have interesting names. Hogshead, Crabby Granny and Early Man range from 6% to 10% ABV.
Their apple cider vinegar, made from apples, honey and garlic has a number of medicinal benefits. It can treat heartburn and provide stomach relief, lower cholesterol, act as a sleep aid and detoxify the body as well as contribute to skin and bone health.
So drink some apples! Here's to your health!
Cider was once an integral part of early American life. Not only was it consumed as a favored beverage, it was also a vital source of nutrition and hydration. The lack of potable water in many regions of the country made lightly fermented cider one of the most critical sources of life giving liquid. Thus orchards were a welcome part of practically every farm in the newly formed nation.
The blending of various apples continues to be a culinary art form in the creation of a distinctive taste to cider. There are 4 main categories of apples that are involved in the process: Bittersharps, Sharps, Bittersweets, and Sweets. Frecon Farms currently produces three varieties of hard cider, each with their own personality and taste profile. And all gluten free. They also have interesting names. Hogshead, Crabby Granny and Early Man range from 6% to 10% ABV.
Their apple cider vinegar, made from apples, honey and garlic has a number of medicinal benefits. It can treat heartburn and provide stomach relief, lower cholesterol, act as a sleep aid and detoxify the body as well as contribute to skin and bone health.
So drink some apples! Here's to your health!
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