WILD ALCHEMY CIDER CLUB
Apples for cider can be...
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apples can be ugly, but should be firm, some disease, deformity, or insect damage is ok
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apples should be fully ripe, seeds should be brown, and fruit should be falling from the tree on it's own
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if you can find out the variety, it is helpful to know for blending
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inedible and a bit harsh, tannins are a big part of good cider fruit and contribute to a good cider blend
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crab apples can be useful in the total season's blend, so if you have access to crabs they can work as 50% of your contribution
Apples for cider shouldn't be...
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soft, brown, or decaying
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washed - if they are picked directly from the tree they are ready to go. All apples get washed before pressing at the cider mill.
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apples that have spent any time on the ground, if you want to shake them out of the tree, use a tarp to collect them
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grocery store apples- they are lower in sugar and flavor because of the use of fertilizers in commercial orchards.
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unripe- see signs for ripeness <<<<
Other tips...
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pears are also useful in cider, so if you have access to pears they will be fine as well.
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you can put your apples in brown paper grocery bags, a laundry basket, or a 5 gallon bucket
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the window of time for dropping off apples is early September to late October, contact us for details on drop off and pressing dates.
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you may contribute as many of your apples as you like (20 lbs = 1 share, 40 lbs. = 2 shares, etc.)
Cider apples are a different kind of beautiful. We have to adjust our standards a bit for cider. Please see the guidlines listed below to help you select and gather the apples.
