Annual Apple Cider Pressing!

A few years ago, at an auction, Farm dad bought an old apple cider press. Engraved on the cast iron part of the press was the year and location where it was made. The press dated back to the 1800's and was made in Cincinnati, Ohio. The wooden parts of the press had to be replaced, the cast iron was cleaned, and painted red, and was brought to the farm to show the family. Of course, everyone was impressed and excited by the new acquisition. Farm dad pointed out to everyone how old it was, and explained how we would soon us this old piece of equitement to make our own apple cider.

Since then, our newly-restored, old press has been put to good use making gallons and gallons of cider. Normally, we do 800 pounds of apples total each year. Some of those get used to make applesauce, or get cut up into slices for pies. The majority of the apples, however, get used to make cider. On average, we have been able to get a yield of about 35 gallons of cider.

When beginning the process, we first make sure to wash the apples before they go into the press. Several kids then man the apple cider press. One cranks, one throws in apples, and the other makes sure the apples do not get jammed up in the press. As the apples are chewed up, they fall into a large wooden basket. Once the basket is full enough, it gets pushed under the press part and everything is compacted down while the delicious cider flows freely into the collection pot.

After being collected, it is then strained before being poured into jugs and placed in the freezer. This year, we did two rounds of apple pressing, and put up 65 gallons of cider. It sure is a treat to grab a jug out of the freezer from time to time and enjoy some of the liquid gold that we worked so hard to press ourselves! Everyone in the family enjoys the process, and it is a great time to get other family members together and make some lasting memories. Sure, store bought apple cider may taste good, but there is nothing like the taste of fresh cider that you have made yourself, along with the experience of using an apple cider press that is hundreds of years old.