[2Trievers]

I recall cold cider as being a fave during haying time and the old timers talking about switchel, but never tasted it. &;-)

[2Trievers]

Pass the switchel please. &;-)

[strela]

I recall cold cider as being a fave during haying time and the old timers talking about switchel, but never tasted it.

One of my summer jobs long ago was hauling hay. We didn't have any of that newfangled "switchel" stuff - just a 10-gallon trash can with water and (sometimes) ice in the back of the pickup. Of course, the guy running the baler and the older men always managed to have a can of Lone Star in their hand, but I would have been hided within an inch of my life if my folks had caught me drinking beer.

I wouldn't even think about doing work like that any more without at least a gallon of Gatorade on ice within easy reach. I don't think I've ever been so hot in any job I've ever done as I was lugging those bales.

[hoot33]

What a flood of memories you engender! Been there- done that.

A short anecdote comes to mind. As kids we used to have the job of pulling up the hay fork into the huge haydoor on the barn. We used a old converted mower and team of horses. Riding the hayrope as it went taut pulling the hayfork was a favoright pastime. My younger sister, always a venturesome spirit, was hanging on the rope when the hayfork 'stuck', causing the rope to quickly tighten into a straight line. She spun around the rope and lost her grip, falling some 35 feet to the ground. Thankfully she landed on her back in soft dirt. We kids about lost it laughing but I shudder to consider it now!

Have slightly different end/update to the story. My grandfather's farm stayed in the family and is now my most valuable and prized possession. Despite the 'giveaway' grain prices. Regards.

[SamAdams76]

Of course, cider in those days was probably real cider. That is, fermented apples. True cider has an alcohol content similar to most beers today. Cider was a staple drink here in New England during colonial times and for many years thereafter.

During the 20th century, as Prohibition picked up steam, apple juice began to be marketed as "cider" and nowadays, most people assume that apple cider and apple juice are the same thing.

[Ken H]

When we bailed hay, every 2 or 3 hours the farmer's wife would bring out a big container of extra strong iced tea that was loaded with sugar.

I never stopped to think why I felt so energetic after those breaks.

[SoftballMominVA]

Laura Ingalls Wilder mentions this type of drink in her book Little House on the Prairie. It was a drink that one could have one's fill of and not be sick. Interesting. I've often wondered what the ratio of ingredients were.

[LibWhacker]

Back in the 60s, I helped build a couple of hundred of these things. Usually out of 90 to 110-lb bales. Except in Kansas, farmers like to go much higher. Never seen such huge haystacks as in that state. You didn't want to fall off the stack, that's for sure. Much later, vandals started setting fire to them for kicks. Never heard of switchel, though. Nasty hard work, bailing hay. Always done during the hottest part of summer.

[Khepera]

---

Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

Title: HAYMAKER'S SWITCHEL
Categories: Beverages
Yield: 6 servings

1 c Brown sugar
1/2 ts Ginger
1/2 c Molasses
3/4 c Vinegar
2 qt Water

In haying season, farmers used to take their "nooning" (midday dinner) with
them, including a jug of Switchel to wash the meal down. Although Switchel
was usually straight, farmers have been known to spike it with hard cider,
or
even brandy which Down easters usd to say, "got the hay in the barn in half
the time." Mix together, add ice and chill.

-----

[Khepera]

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (yes vinegar)

1/4 cup molasses

1/2 cup sugar or honey

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 cup oatmeal (optional)

tap water to make 2 quarts



This is a very old recipe, imported from our Yankee neighbors to the north, and before that, from Nova Scotia. Did you ever wonder what folks used to drink in the days before soda pop, and when lemons were out of season? Why Switchel of course. Instead of lemon juice, it uses a tangy combination of flavorful apple cider vinegar, molasses and ginger to make a summertime treat which will whet your whistle better than any modern thirst quencher I've ever run across.

First get out a two quart pitcher. Measure the vinegar, molasses, sugar or honey and ginger into it. Add cold tap water to fill. Stir to dissolve everything and serve in tall ice filled cups. Traditionally, oatmeal was also added to the mixture, to give it a little body, and improve the flavor. I am ashamed to say I have never prepared it with the added oatmeal, so if anyone does, please let me know what you think. This beverage takes a little getting used to. It is strongly flavored, nothing bland about it. It tastes best when it has mellowed overnight, blending the ginger with the molasses. It does quench your thirst better than anything else on a hot summer day though, and of course, costs next to nothing to prepare. I have also tried heating it in the winter time and drinking it as a hot toddy, it is actually quite delicious this way.

[Khepera]

Ginger Switchel




1/2 Cup Brown Sugar or White Sugar
1/2 Tsp. Ground Ginger
1/4 Cup Molasses
3/4 Cup Vinegar (cider)
2 Qts. Water


Mix well and chill

[Khepera]

Indian Apple Haymakers Switchel 1 gallon of cold water
2 cups white sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 apple juiced
3 teaspoon ginger
1 lemon sliced

Switchel is an old Indian drink. It is nothing more then water seasoned to taste.
Stir all ingredients together, put it in jars with covers and refridge it.

[tacticalogic]

The most vivid memory I have of putting up hay involves a large copperhead stuck in a haybale. I've never been able to throw a bale that far again.

[f.Christian]

“Stacey’s under there — get him out!”

When a sophmore in high school...over the summer vacation, the star running back of the football team, who I played on the same grade school team with---died in a haying accident!