How to use an apple press to make homemade cider

December 5, 2023

Time to read 2 min

Introduction: There's nothing quite like the crisp, sweet taste of homemade apple cider, and making it from scratch is a rewarding and delicious experience. One of the key steps in crafting your own apple cider is pressing fresh apples. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of using an apple press to extract the flavorful juice from your apples and transform them into a refreshing beverage.

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. #amazoninfluencer

Apple Picker: https://amzn.to/49OvKA7

Apple Grinder: https://amzn.to/40SNiaq

Apple Press: (similar to the one that we are using) https://amzn.to/3QPXWdw

Materials Needed:

Fresh apples
Apple press (also known as a cider press)
Clean buckets or containers
Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
Sanitizer solution for cleaning equipment
Large mixing bowls
Funnel
Sterilized bottles or jars for storage

Step 1: Choose the Right Apples Select a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties for a well-balanced flavor in your cider. Popular choices include Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, and McIntosh. Ensure that the apples are ripe, free from bruises or rot, and thoroughly washed.

Step 2: Clean and Sanitize Equipment Before starting, clean and sanitize all equipment, including the apple press, buckets, bowls, and bottles. This helps prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria and ensures the freshness of your cider.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples Remove the stems and any damaged parts from the apples. You can leave the peel on for added flavor and color or peel them if you prefer a clearer cider. Cut the apples into quarters, removing the seeds and core.

Step 4: Load the Apple Press Assemble your apple press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place a clean bucket or container underneath the press to catch the juice. Load the quartered apples into the press, making sure not to overfill to allow for efficient juice extraction.

Step 5: Press the Apples Use the press handle to apply pressure to the apples, extracting the juice. Continue pressing until you've extracted as much juice as possible. The pressed apples, also known as pomace, can be composted or used for other culinary purposes.

Step 6: Strain the Juice To remove any remaining solids from the juice, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. This step ensures a smooth and clear cider.

Step 7: Funnel and Bottle Place a funnel over your sterilized bottles or jars and carefully pour the strained apple juice into them. Leave some headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion.

Step 8: Refrigerate and Enjoy Seal the bottles tightly and refrigerate your homemade apple cider. For optimal flavor, allow it to chill for a few hours before serving. Shake the bottle gently before pouring to mix any settled sediment.

Conclusion: Congratulations! You've successfully pressed apples and created your very own batch of homemade apple cider. Share your delightful creation with friends and family or savor it on a crisp autumn day. Experiment with different apple varieties to find the perfect blend that suits your taste buds. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the delicious reward of homemade apple cider!

← Go back