APPLE PROCESSING [for cider]

[Dutch]

Well, it was a bit spur of the momnt but Don M. from the west side said he had a bunch of apples turning so I went over Saturday. Picked about seven large tubs. Today Maryann & I processed all the apples and wound up with about 20 gallons of raw cider.
A couple of loose ends from previous processing issues were resolved. FIrst the grinder plate size of 1/2" worked VERY WELL! The big issue seemed to be belt tensioning and I guess I thought that there was a lack of power issue. Well that certainly did not turn out to be the case with a minor mdification to make tensioning adjustments we could grind apples as fast as we could feed them without stopping!!!
The big old press worked great with the hydraulic bottle jack instead of the gian screw!
I will keep the equipment uo as there have been afew mentions of others either having or wanting apples or cider!
Now I just have to wait!!!!

[Chris Norrick]

Dutch,

Is it possible to transport the operation in the back of a pickup? I've got some friends up in Gibson county and we might plan a little ciderday pressing party for their overloaded trees. The apples are small but plentiful this year I was told.

[SkyBrew]

I have a neighbor with an Apple tree and the Apples are looking pretty ready. He is a hombrewer too and he said he would be into making some cider. Do you still have your apple press Dutch?

[Dutch]

Certainly. We can get fixed up. Are you sure that the apples are ready?
I have a motorized grinder and a separate press.

[SkyBrew]

I guess Im not 100% sure if they are ready, they looked good from the other side of the fence though. I'm going to investigate further, I just wanted to make sure you still had that press before I did anything else!

[sirgiovanni]

Dutch I sware I'm going to catch up with you one of these years to help with a lambic. Every year I miss it.

[Dutch]

Well, a very interesting topic came up last night. If we locate a bunch of apples in different locations - how about a CIDER CRAWL! We could set up a mobile processing event!
I have a trailer which would easily fit the grinder and press. We could even offer those people who donate apples some fresh cider! Maybe really great publicity for the club as well.
Comments??
We will be out of pocket for most of the month of September but I think apples will be late this year anyway.

[SkyBrew]

That sounds fun!

[msjulian]

I would be in for a day of processing. I would love to try a 5 gallon batch.

[sirgiovanni]

later sept for me too!

[msjulian]

Just talked to TJ's Orchard out in St Joe. She said that things are looking good for the apple crop this year and are planning to have a u-pick this season. I told her what we were looking at doing and she said to definitely call back in a few weeks and they will have more details.

[Dutch]

It may be taking shape to get some apples. Problem is I can't really comment on source yet but could be A LOT!! Unfortunately, I'll be across the big pond until Sept 21st. Just get ready to crushem!
Looking at weekend time 28/29 September then 5/6 October and then 12/13 October [which is not really good for me]
I know that the 5th is BrewHaHa but the club is way large enough to get through that without a hiccup.

[Chris Norrick]

It looks like I've been offered some apples out of some of the trees at the old Engelbrect place. I'll get more details shortly. Not sure how much yet.

[sirgiovanni]

Any chance of more sour green apples?

[ThreeBeers]

I'd be interested in this cider crawl. We went to Musgrave Orchard and missed out on their cider for the week. Keep us (me and Amelia) in the loop.