Sulphite-free cider
Completely sulphite-free cider isn’t really possible, as we’ll explain here, but all Temple ciders and perries have no added sulphites, so are as close to sulphite-free as you’re likely to get.
We have a number of customers who buy our ciders regularly, not only because they enjoy drinking them, but also because they need to avoid sulphites, and our ciders meet that brief.
Even though we don’t add sulphites to our ciders and perries, we tend to avoid saying they are sulphite-free, as it’s impossible to say that any cider or perry is strictly sulphite-free. This is because, during fermentation, the yeasts present in the juice will produce a trace amount of sulphites naturally. It will only be a trace though, so this is usually fine even for sulphite-sensitive drinkers.
Also, a sulphite solution is often used to sanitise cider making equipment, as having clean equipment is vitally important to ensure the fermenting liquid isn’t spoiled or contaminated. However, after sanitising, the equipment is thoroughly washed with clean water before use, so any remaining sulphite would only be the tiniest trace.
Most commercial makers add sulphites to all of their cider, to act as a preservative, and they might add sulphites to kill any remaining yeast and thereby stop fermentation early for a sweeter cider.
No added sulphites in Temple cider & perry
We do not add sulphites to our ciders and perries. The idea of adding such horrible chemicals to our lovely artisan products, made carefully from hand-harvested unsprayed fruit, fills us with horror – we simply don’t do it!
We do heartily recommend taking a selfie with the cider you drink most often on your head though. That makes perfect sense. Naturally sparkling Somerset Redstreak in a can, in case you’re wondering!