Apple Day

The day began with Tony heading up to the allotment to pick two of the apple types:  the Egremont Russets and the Adam's Pearmains, the eaters.  Meanwhile I was preparing the wonky onions for chopping and freezing.  No sooner were they in their bags and in the freezer, than Tony returned with a bountiful harvest which I set about washing.  Next it was the emptying of the shed to reach the apple press tucked away at the back, and its cleaning then we were ready for lunch!

Once the washing up was done, Tony set about chopping the apples and filling the hopper whilst I gave the bottles a good washing.  The actual pulping of the apples is a physical task as they often fight back and the whole hopper moves around.  My blip is of Tony turning the wheel whilst it is my job to stop the hopper jumping about and pushing the apples down to the blades.  

When the press is full of pulp, the hopper is removed, the bag closed up and the press swung round and down.  Tony is able to press the apples to within an inch of their lives, then he opens up the press, gives the mash a good mix around and re-presses them to get as much juice out as possible.

As there were more russets than pearmains, we made some 50/50 juice and the remainder was 100% russets.  The 50/50 had a slightly tart edge to it whilst the wholly russets was quite sweet.  Result: 15 litres

Tomorrow it is beetroot chutney day, so that will be the Brambleys then, plus the onions and the beetroot.