Cider promises to be a new staple for Holcombe events

By Ginna Young

Apples in the fall mean cider, of course, which is why volunteers gathered Sept. 7, in the Lake Holcombe School greenhouse, to make several gallons of the fall beverage. The idea came about after ag teacher Kent Dorney wanted to work the cider making into his curriculum and with grant money that was applied for, a cider press was purchased from Pleasant Hill Grain.

“This will last forever,” said Dorney of the hand-crank machine.

Once people in the community jumped on board with the first round of cider making, Dorney acquired apples donated from Niblett’s Apple Shed and set up a “work day.” To begin, the apples are soaked in fresh water, then cut in half, stems and all.

“It’s a very fall thing to do,” said volunteer Tony Keegan.

Next, while someone turns the crank of the press, the apples are dropped into the catch-all on top. The halves are ground up and fall into the steel barrel below, which has a cloth insert to allow the juice to squeeze out as the canister fills.

“I had no idea it took so many apples to make relatively a small amount of cider,” said volunteer Sarah Sauerwein.

The juice is drained into a tray below the steel drum and is deposited into a tub, which is later funneled into empty, clean milk or water jugs. From then on, the cider is ready to drink or store in the refrigerator. In this case, the cider was given to the football team to sell for concessions at a home game.

Dorney said some people boil the cider, to get rid of any enzymes, but he prefers the liquid in its natural form. Eventually, Dorney plans to work seasonal classes into his school schedule.

“I want these kids to experience the things I did growing up and enjoyed,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_261108" align="alignnone" width="254"] Jennifer Steen took her turn cutting up donated apples to be turned into cider, before spelling someone at the people-powered press machine. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_261110" align="alignnone" width="242"] Sarah Sauerwein carefully poured the finished cider into clean jugs, which were then stored in the refrigerator for drinking. Volunteers agreed the warm cider would hit the spot at chilly football games. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_261112" align="alignnone" width="239"] Kent Dorney (back) shows Tony Keegan how to operate a brand new cider press to make the fall beverage for concession stand sales at Lake Holcombe football games. (Below) Apples are dropped into the press collector while the hand crank is turned. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]