Making fresh apple cider with a press is a straightforward process centered on grinding apples into pulp and then applying pressure to extract the juice.
According to the provided steps (dated 20-Sept-2024), the core process using a cider press involves the following actions:
- Setup and Preparation: Begin by setting up your cider press. An essential part of the setup is adding a mesh bag to the bucket where the juice will collect. This bag helps contain the apple pulp and filter the juice.
- Grinding the Apples: Once the press is ready, add apples to the cylinder (often called the hopper or grinder). Start turning the wheel attached to the cylinder to grind the apples into a fine pulp.
- Loading the Press: After grinding, the hopper will be full of apple pulp. Next, you need to prepare for pressing by putting the pressing plate down directly on top of the pulp.
- Pressing for Juice: With the pressing plate in place, continue turning the wheel (or handle) of the press. This action lowers the plate, applying significant pressure to the apple pulp. Keep turning until every last drop is squeezed out of the pulp and collects in the bucket below, strained by the mesh bag.
Essential Components
To make apple cider with a press as described, you will need:
- Apples: A sufficient quantity of ripe apples suitable for juicing.
- Cider Press: This equipment includes a grinder (cylinder/hopper), a pressing mechanism (plate, wheel/handle), and a collection bucket.
- Mesh Bag: Used within the collection bucket to contain the pulp and filter the juice during pressing.
The Pressing Process Explained
The steps outlined provide a clear sequence for using a manual press. The grinder transforms solid apples into a soft pulp with ruptured cell walls, making the juice accessible. Placing the pressing plate and applying pressure then forces the liquid from this pulp, through the mesh bag, and into the collection area. The mesh bag is crucial for keeping the solid pulp separate from the liquid cider.
This method yields fresh, unfermented apple cider, which can be enjoyed immediately or preserved.
