Cider Pressing Workshop

Missoula Urban Demonstration project (MUD) is having a cider pressing workshop Wed, Sept 22, 2010 from 6-8p.m.  at MUD's headquarters, 629 Phillips St. $20/$10 members. Call 721-7513 to register and visit mudproject.org.

I'm going to this! I am trying to get apples from somewhere--I contacted the Great Bear Foundation and Garden City Harvest about extra apples/gleaning but they haven't gotten back to me. Does anyone have if a tree with extra apples I can pick--today? Also, can you use apples with codling moths for pressing or no good?

I thought I'd share a bit about what I learned at the workshop.

Missoula has a very long history as an agricultural hotspot. Many of the apple trees in the area are heirlooms and their fruits virtually can't be found elsewhere. Examples of some rare species are Yellow Translucence, Wolf River, and Maiden's Blush apples.

MUD has two presses--one can be checked out (through the Tool Library) for $10. The other one must be used on site for a  $5 fee.

To use the cider press:

Make sure the wooden racks are in the bottom.
Put the net bag around the basket, secure with bungee if available.
Put the basket under the grinder and turn the wheel to mash your apples.
Fill the basket to the upper band then set the wooden lid on top.
Center under the press, place a bowl under the hose and turn until it resists.
If you're filling a growler and planning on freezing it, don't fill the juice past the base of the neck.

Enjoy!

I work at Garden City Harvest, and we have a gleening program that offers to go clean up apples and other fruits from the yard.  We just started this year's efforts so haven't gotten a huge number of responses thus far.  We donate our cider and quality fruit to local agencies and offer it at our Fall Harvest Festival on October 16th. There certainly are a lot of apples in the area, and many people who want to clean up their yard!  Give us a call at the office if you want to brainstorm options.