PRESSING

Pressing cider apples is a multi-step process that transforms apples into juice, which is then fermented to make cider. The key steps and traditional methods are:

1. Washing and Grinding:

   • Apples are first washed to remove dirt and debris.

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• They are then crushed or ground using a device called a grinder, scratter, or mill to break the apples into a pulp or “pomace.” Crushed apples release juice more effectively than whole apples, as apples are relatively hard

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• Preparing the Pomace for Pressing:

  • The ground pomace is typically placed into porous cloths or mesh bags, which act as filters. In the traditional rack-and-cloth or cheese method, layers of this mash are sandwiched between cloths and wooden or plastic racks.

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• Each layer (sometimes called a “cheese”) is stacked to form a pressable column.

• Pressing the Apples:

  • Pressure is applied using a press, which can be a screw press, hydraulic press, or traditional wooden beam press.

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• In the rack-and-cloth system, pressure slowly squeezes juice from the pomace; the juice flows out through the cloth layers, leaving behind dry pulp.

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• The pressing is done gradually to maximize juice extraction and avoid spraying or overly compressing the mash

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• Collecting the Juice:

  • The fresh juice is collected in basins or tubs below the press. Unfiltered cider at this stage may be cloudy and contains some apple solids.

• Post-Pressing:

  • The juice is then either set aside for primary fermentation (for hard cider) or pasteurized and bottled for sweet (non-alcoholic) cider.

• The spent pomace is often composted or used as animal feed.

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Variations in Pressing:

• Some producers use a multi-press method, adding water to the mash after the first press and pressing again, but this may dilute flavor.

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• Modern home presses often combine grinding and pressing in a single unit.

• Alternative methods include hand-squeezing with cloth bags, bucket-and-wood pounding for small-scale, or even using centrifugal spinners.

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Useful links:

1. https://pricklycider.com/2020/11/21/how-to-press-apples-into-cider/

2. https://coldhollow.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-apple-cider-the-traditional-way-on-a-rack-and-cloth-cider-press

3. https://cider-review.com/2021/10/03/cider-making-season-begins-pressing/

4. https://www.ciderculture.com/juicing-systems-cider-pressing-equipment-history/

5. https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-make-apple-cider/

6. https://boroughmarket.org.uk/market-blog/what-it-takes-traditional-cider/

7. https://www.almostoffgrid.com/blogs/almost-off-grid/a-beginners-guide-to-making-cider-from-apples

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e38a363JFVA

9. https://vigopresses.co.uk/how-to-guides-info/make-cider/

10. http://www.conservationandaccess.co.uk/cider-making/

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