Can You Microwave Apple Cider? Here’s How!
Apple cider is a popular apple-flavored drink known as an excellent refreshment. There is no rule on how you drink it as it tastes great warm as well as cold. Warm apple cider has a certain charm that cold apple cider lacks; it is also known for its health benefits for sore throat and weight loss. So, can you microwave apple cider?
Apple cider works great when microwaved and doesn’t require much time and effort. All you need is a microwave-safe glass and a few seconds.
Depending on why you drink your apple cider, a warm apple cider sometimes works better. Whether you have a particular reason to drink it warm or you simply prefer it that way, you can undoubtedly have it like that. In the following paragraphs, I will explain how you can microwave your apple cider.
How to Microwave Apple Cider?
Microwaving apple cider is the easiest and quickest way to warm up apple cider. The process is very simple; if you have microwaved anything before, you will have absolutely no trouble managing.
The most important thing is to ensure you have microwave-safe glass, as using one that isn’t will ruin your microwave. A microwave-safe glass usually has the words “microwave-safe” engraved on it. Never use a plastic cup, even if the plastic is firm and thick, nor should you use a metal cup.
Place the apple cider glass inside the microwave and set the temperature to medium. Microwave in short 20-second cycles until your apple cider is at the desired temperature. Don’t leave it in the microwave for over 20 seconds, as it may be hotter than you wanted.
It may also boil, which will diminish the taste of the apple cider once it is cold.
Moreover, microwaving your apple cider is the perfect opportunity for you to enrich your drink. Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the apple cider glass.
Should You Microwave Apple Cider?
There is no rule that is firmly set dictating how you should drink your apple cider; it all depends on how you like it and why you have it. Cold apple cider is a very refreshing drink, so on a summer afternoon, it is always a good idea to have a glass of cold fridge apple cider.
On the other hand, if you want to warm up on a cold winter’s day, a glass of hot or warm apple cider may be just what you need.
Apple Cider Health Benefits
Apple cider is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It cleanses the body of toxins creating a more alkaline environment where bacteria cannot thrive easily. It hydrates the body, and it also helps with the digestive tract. Because it is known as a weight loss ally to those on such a journey, it also has a positive effect on heart health and effectively reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes. [1]
Apple cider also has a very soothing effect; it helps the body cope with stress, reducing the overall proneness of stress.
Warm apple cider has proven to be a very effective way to deal with colds, sore throats, and congestion. [2]
Are Apple Cider and Apple Juice the Same?
Apple cider and apple juice are often regarded as the same thing, and sometimes you can find the same product labeled as either apple cider or apple juice. The similarities between apple juice and apple cider are undeniable, but there is a substantive difference between them.
Apple cider is crude, unprocessed, and natural apple juice, and often it seems blurry with the occasional pulp or apple bits. The apples are peeled, blended, and then strained.
What is left as a result is the apple cider.
Apple juice is a result of processing apples to extract the juice, and it is filtered and, therefore, clear, and it doesn’t contain any apple pieces.
What Is Spiced Apple Cider
Contrary to popular opinion, a spiced apple is a beverage you can make at home. Many consider spiced apple cider a drink you can only buy, but it is very easy to make at home and make it delicious too.
Spiced apple cider is nothing more than regular apple cider with spices. However, it isn’t enough to just sprinkle the spices into the apple cider, as it needs to be warm to help the spices bind.
The making procedure is very easy. You can either put the apple cider in the microwave or heat it in a pot on the stove. Sprinkle cinnamon, add cloves and dried orange peel into the apple cider, and heat it up.
Add some honey in the end, and you will have a delicious spiced apple cider.
Is Microwaved Apple Cider Better Than Pot-warmed?
Whether you warm up your apple cider in the microwave or in a pot on the stove, it makes no difference if your only goal is to have warm apple cider. Microwaving would be quicker and slightly simpler than heating in a pot.
Still, if you want to have a spiced apple cider, it is better to warm it up in a pot on the stove. It takes longer to do this, but it yields better results. The longer and more gradual heating time will allow the spices to bind with each other and the liquid.
Besides that, it makes no difference whether you warm up your apple cider on the stove or in the microwave.
