Farm labourers received a cider allowance as part of their wages the quantity increased during haymaking. English cider making probably peaked around the mid seventeenth century , when almost every farm had its own cider orchard and press. The industry later went into decline, due to major agricultural changes. Cider regained its popularity during the twentieth century, but demand was largely for the mass-produced variety. Only in recent years has traditional cider making finally triumphed.
American history tells a different tale.
Early English settlers introduced cider to America by bringing with them seeds for cultivating cider apples. During the colonial period, hard cider was one of America s most popular beverages. Today, the tide has turned. Both in America and Europe, traditional cider making is experiencing a major resurgence. History has gone full circle.