October.
[This is one in a series of blog posts written by Charlotte the Intern. Tune in daily to find out about what she’s been up to, what she has been learning about, and all of the crazy things she does as part of the Manna from Devon team.]
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
-L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
I couldn’t agree with Montgomery more. I love October. I love the leaves changing and the nip in the air. I love that I can wear scarves and coats and boots, and I love that it suddenly is completely logical to crave big, hearty soups for every meal. I even love October when it’s rainy and grey like it was today because it makes the inside seem so much warmer and brighter. I love how totally hygge October is.
Back home, October is when autumn really starts. September is still a warm, sunny and sticky; October is when the light becomes harder, more crisp. It is when everything starts to downshift into slow, cozy winter. And one of the most closely held traditions of American autumn is to go picking: apple picking and pumpkin picking specifically.
Since arriving in Kingswear just a month ago tomorrow, it has become apparent to me that the people of Devon take their apples very seriously. There is the famous Devon apple cake, there are chutneys and breads, and of course, there is cider.
Until pretty recently, I thought cider was simply apple juice with a bit more pulp in it. In the US, that’s what it means. But when I came down here, I learned that true English cider packs a bit more of a punch. I have to admit, when I first tried real Devon cider, I couldn’t quite stomach it, though I have since been assured that the brand I tried makes some particularly scrumpy stuff. Indeed, I have kept at it, and I think I’m starting to “get” cider. I have found the joy of a well-made cider. It is crisp and refreshing, while somehow tasting distinctly of fall. Of October.
Which brings me to a question: which cider do you all think really represents a true Devon cider? I’m curious, and I want to make sure I’m trying the best stuff. You know, in the name of cultural exploration of course.
Happy October everyone! I’m toasting you all with an imaginary glass of cider as we speak.
Rex and Poppy are sleepy and cozied up in their jumpers.