Perry, also known as pear cider, is a delightful beverage that is made by fermenting the juice of freshly squeezed pears with natural yeasts. Just like cider is made from apples, perry is made from pears. It's a simple and straightforward process that results in a unique and refreshing drink.
To make perry, the first step is to select the right kind of pears. There are certain pear varieties that are particularly well-suited for making perry, such as the traditional Perry pear varieties found in regions like Herefordshire in England. These pears have the necessary balance of tannins, sugars, and acidity to produce a flavorful and balanced perry. However, other types of pears can also be used, depending on the desired flavor profile.
Once the pears have been selected, they are carefully harvested and sorted to ensure that only the best quality fruit is used. The pears are then washed and crushed to extract the juice. This can be done using traditional methods like pressing the pears by hand or using modern mechanical presses.
The freshly extracted pear juice is then transferred to fermentation vessels, where natural yeasts present on the skins of the pears or in the surrounding environment initiate the fermentation process. These yeasts convert the sugars in the pear juice into alcohol, resulting in the creation of perry.
During fermentation, the temperature and conditions are closely monitored to ensure that the yeast can work its magic without any undesirable flavors or off-notes being produced. This is crucial in order to achieve a high-quality perry with a clean and crisp taste.
The fermentation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the specific yeast strains used, the temperature, and the desired flavor profile. Once the fermentation is complete, the perry is typically aged for a period of time to allow the flavors to develop and mellow.
After aging, the perry is often filtered or clarified to remove any sediments or impurities that may have formed during fermentation. Some producers may choose to carbonate the perry, while others prefer to leave it still. The final product is then bottled and ready to be enjoyed.
It's important to note that the term “pear cider” can be misleading, as it implies that the beverage is made from both apples and pears. If you come across a drink labeled as pear cider, it's always a good idea to inquire about its ingredients and production methods to understand whether it is truly perry or a different type of beverage altogether.
Perry is made by fermenting the juice of pears with natural yeasts. It's a simple yet fascinating process that results in a delicious and unique drink. So, the next time you come across a bottle of perry, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and care that went into creating this delightful beverage.