Apple Cider

Saturday, after I got home from a funeral, I changed into my Saturday work duds and helped with the apple cider process. 

1. Sort and wash apples. 

This is a good job for me. It is not very exact in fact that is one of the important parts. The apple varieties are supposed to be mixed together so that the cider has more flavors. After washing the apples I mixed them and sent them over to the next station.

2. Grind the apples.

Logan was king at the grinding station. He has a knack for motors and anything that is power driven. This new cider press has en excellent grinder. The big hopper is just for looks. If you happen to put in several apples simultaneously it can jam the grinder and cause a bit of frustration. One of those facts you might know if you read the owner's manual (which or course I did not.)

3. Squish the pulp.

Dad and Logan handled this portion of the process. They kept the barrels moving back and forth between grinder and squasher.

4. Collect the cider.

One nice thing about this press is that the cider actually drains down that center hole through a tube and collects fabulously into these pots. 

5. Strain and package the cider.

Dad kept the pitchers full of cider. Naomi then strained the cider through a thin cloth and packaged the cider for storage. 

6. End product

7. Enjoy with doughnuts

Of course no process is truly complete without some quality control. As most of you know, cider is much better with doughnuts and thanks to Mom we had better cider!