Cider can be traced back to pre-Roman times – and it’s still just as popular today
When you relax with a glass of cool, refreshing cider, you’re taking a step back in time.
The Romans arrived in England in 55 BC and were reported to have found the local Kentish villagers drinking a delicious cider-like beverage made from apples. Just how long they’d been making this apple drink is anybody's guess.
It was the Romans who developed cider-making equipment for crushing the apples and extracting the juice they produced from their newly planted orchards.
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, cider became hugely popular and orchards were established specifically to produce cider apples.
During medieval times, cider making was an important industry. Monasteries sold vast quantities of their strong, spiced cider to the public and farm labourers received a cider allowance as part of their wages. By the mid-17th century, almost every farm had its own cider orchard and press.
Major agricultural changes saw the industry go into a decline, but it regained its popularity during the 20th century.
Today you can enjoy a range of ciders including:
Doyles SPAR’s own-brand cider, refreshingly crisp and dry.
Bulmers Original Made with culinary and bittersweet apples to provide depth and character. Best served over ice.
Bulmers Pear Only the finest pears are used for this premium quality pear cider. Best served over ice.
Bulmers Crisp Blend Made with a unique blend of traditional cider apples for a crisp, refreshing taste. Best served over ice.
Bulmers No 17 Cider made from crushed red berries cut with a shot of lime. Best served over ice with a wedge of lime.
Strongbow Dry cider made with bittersweet cider apples for maximum refreshment
Jacques Fruit Des Bois Lightly sparkling cider made with the rich flavours of cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant. Best served over ice.
Jacques Orchard Fruit Lightly sparkling cider that combines the fresh, fruity flavours of apples, pears and peaches with a hint of elderflower and citrus. Best served over ice.
Check out the great offers on cider in your local SPAR!