If you’ve ever watched the TV show “How It’s Made” on the Science Channel, you’ll appreciate this brief look at how Arbor Day Farm’s apple cider press works.
Arbor Day Farm has had a cider press for many years at the Apple House Market, but it was more of a museum showpiece than a functional cider press. For the 2012 apple harvest season, we decided it was time to change that.
New parts were ordered. A new UV treatment machine arrived. The health inspector approved the changes, and Arbor Day Farm’s cider press was re-born.
Any kind of apples can be pressed for cider; we’re currently using a mix of Ozark Gold, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, and Braeburn apples from our orchard. This “recipe” will change over the season as different apple varieties ripen. Pressing will take place as needed all season long, and visitors can watch the cider press in action from large viewing windows inside the Cider Room.
If you’re visiting Arbor Day Farm this fall, please stop in and have a look.
