The First Cider Pressings of the Year 2011

Having a go at cider making on a larger scale this year, a gallon is not enough after all the sample tastings.

We are using any apples that are ripe, these are not necessarily cider varieties, but eaters as well as cookers. Just to get that blend of sweet and sharp, as last years cider was made from just Bramley Cookers.

As the quantity of apples was higher than last year, an alternative method of pulping the apples was sought. This machine produced the ideal pulp, and was so easy. It takes all sizes of apples with no hesitation.

However the machine had to be lifted off the floor to enable a bowl to be placed under to catch the pulp.

Homemade press utilizing cheap wooden studding and steel studs. Made up in less than 2 hours. Those pillowcases I kept have finally come into their use.

Juices are just beginning to flow. The 10 ton hydraulic jack was bit of an overkill. I was going for the 2 ton jack, but the 5 ton one was £2 dearer, and the 10 ton was £3 more. So what the hell, I suppose I can use it somewhere else.