If you’re a fan of hard apple cider, you’ll be pleased to know that making your own is not only easy but also rewarding. By using organic apples, you can ensure that your cider is of the highest quality and free of harmful pesticides.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your own delicious hard apple cider right in the comfort of your own home.
- Find a local orchard or apple farm that offers bulk pressing services. This will save you time and effort in juicing your own apples, especially if you want to make a large batch of cider.
- Once you have your fresh apple juice, transfer it to a sterilized barrel or carboy for fermentation. Make sure to leave some headspace for the foam that will form during the fermentation process.
- Add a packet of cider yeast to the juice and mix well. This will kickstart the fermentation process and convert the sugar in the juice into alcohol.
- Seal the barrel or carboy with an airlock to allow gas to escape while preventing oxygen from entering. Place the container in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature between 60-70°F.
- Let the cider ferment for about 2-3 weeks or until the gravity reaches around 1.000 or lower. This means most of the sugar has been converted to alcohol, resulting in a dry cider.
- If you prefer a sweeter cider, you can add a non-fermentable sweetener such as lactose or xylitol after fermentation, or use a cider yeast strain that produces a sweeter cider. For a healthier option you can add chunks of fresh fruit and leave it in the barrel as the cider ages.
- Transfer the cider to another sterilized container or bottle and let it age for several weeks or even months to develop its flavor and character. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for another one to two weeks to allow for carbonation. The longer you store the cider, the smoother and more complex the flavor will be. You can also experiment with adding oak chips or other flavorings to the cider during the aging process.
- Once the cider has aged to your liking, it’s ready to enjoy! Pour it into a glass and savor the crisp, refreshing taste of your homemade hard apple cider.
By following these steps, you can create your own delicious and organic hard apple cider at home using fresh juice from locally sourced apples.
With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can produce a delicious and high-quality beverage that you can be proud of. It’s a fun and rewarding DIY project that will impress your friends and family, and give you a taste of the fall season all year round.
CIDER MAKING CHECKLIST:
Dextrose
Bubbler – Bubble Airlock and Carboy Bung
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Check out this video for NEVER SEEN BEFORE footage of the Mennonite farm where I get my apples pressed.
In this video I answer all the most common questions I’ve been asked about the hard apple cider making process.
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