Cider Workshop

This is the time of year a lot of people seem to be very busy in the cider workshop, getting things ready or pressing cider apples already.

Some folk like use a makeshift outdoor cider workshop by erecting a large tent, gazebo or tarp, to keep the rain off. Then you can make as much mess as you like and at least it doesn't get trampled indoors so much.

There's no real need to spend a fortune on fancy equipment, nor labour for days and days making exact fit wooden racks with countersunk stainless steel screws and all that kind of nonsense either. In fact a good old basket press with an electric drill driven screw thread can get the job done in a fraction of the time, even if it isn't up to standard according to a quaint idea of tradition. The main thing is to get the apples crushed while they're in good condition, and fill up the fermentation vessels close to the top while the natural process slowly takes its time. Resist messing about with the cider, and that's just about it from the cider workshop for another year.