Perry's Cider
'It's still the same as it has been for the last 90 years - to produce the very best Somerset Ciders with 100% apple juice, and with as little intervention from ourselves and nasty ingredients as possible.
We also strive to push the boundaries of craft cider - producing free thinking ciders with depth of flavour using only the simplest and purest of means..........'
Perry's Cider
'It's still the same as it has been for the last 90 years - to produce the very best Somerset Ciders with 100% apple juice, and with as little intervention from ourselves and nasty ingredients as possible.
We also strive to push the boundaries of craft cider - producing free thinking ciders with depth of flavour using only the simplest and purest of means..........'
Perry's Cider
'It's still the same as it has been for the last 90 years - to produce the very best Somerset Ciders with 100% apple juice, and with as little intervention from ourselves and nasty ingredients as possible.
We also strive to push the boundaries of craft cider - producing free thinking ciders with depth of flavour using only the simplest and purest of means..........'
PRESSING
Pressing cider apples is a crucial step in the cider-making process, as it extracts the juice from the apples, which serves as the foundation for cider production. Here's an overview of the process of pressing cider apples:
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Apple Selection: Choose ripe and flavorful cider apples specifically cultivated for cider production. Cider apples are different from eating apples and are often categorized into bittersweet, bittersharp, sweet, and sharp varieties, each contributing different characteristics to the cider.
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Preparation: Wash the apples to remove any dirt or debris. Remove any rotten or damaged apples to ensure the quality of the juice. You may also choose to mill or grind the apples before pressing to break down the cell structure and facilitate juice extraction.
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Pressing Equipment: Use a cider press, which typically consists of a wooden or metal frame, a pressing mechanism, and a collection vessel for the juice. Traditional cider presses involve a screw or hydraulic press, while smaller-scale or home presses may use a hand-operated or electric press.
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Load and Press: Load the milled or whole apples into the pressing basket or cloth-lined pressing bag. Apply pressure using the press mechanism to squeeze the apples and extract the juice. The juice will flow out of the press and collect in the container below.
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Juice Collection: Collect the freshly pressed juice in a clean container, such as a fermentation vessel or a food-grade bucket. Ensure that the container is sanitized to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
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Settling and Clarification: After pressing, the apple juice may contain solids and sediments. Allow the juice to settle for a period of time to let the solids settle to the bottom. You can then transfer the clear juice to a different container, leaving behind the sediment.
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Further Processing: Depending on your desired cider style, you can proceed with fermentation immediately after pressing, or you may choose to make adjustments to the juice, such as adding yeast or adjusting sugar levels, before fermenting.
Pressing cider apples can be a labor-intensive process, but it is essential for obtaining the juice needed for cider production. The quality of the apples, cleanliness of equipment, and attention to hygiene during pressing are crucial factors that can impact the final cider's flavor and quality.