My in-laws invited us up to their house to try our hand at their new apple press. After overhearing them talk about how much they would like to make their own cider last year, my husband decided to gift them with one as an early Christmas gift. He found it at Northern Brewer in Saint Paul (http://www.northernbrewer.com).
They have a beautiful apple tree in their backyard stocked full of Haralsons. I’ve never made my own apple cider before, and am so appreciative of their offer. There really is no better healthy fall treat than a cold glass of freshly squeezed apples.
Cider is different from juice in that it is unfiltered. So you have a cloudy appearance and a richer drink.
First, you grind whole apples through an apple grinder. The apple mush is then dumped into the apple press.
A circular block is stacked on top of the apples, followed by several rectangular blocks. You grab onto a long ratchet, and twist it back and forth to slowly press the circular wooden block into the apples, straining the juices.
It was an ideal way to spend a beautiful fall day, and I’ve been enjoying a fresh glass of cider every morning this week.
