How to Make Hard Apple Cider from Fresh Apples?
Cider is another historical alcoholic beverage spanning thousands of years. While traditionally made from the actual fruit, the selling of apple juice has made homemade cidermaking so much easier, but what if you wanted the whole experience? How to make hard apple cider from fresh apples?
First, you need to start with a base of fresh apples. You can use any type of apple you want, but a firmer apple is better so it does not turn to mush during the fermentation process. A tarter apple will also add more depth of flavor to your final product. Once you have your apples, wash them and cut them into small pieces. You do not need to remove the seeds or cores, as these will actually add beneficial enzymes to your cider.
Next, you will need to add water and sugar to your apple pieces. The ratio of water to sugar will depend on how sweet you want your final cider to be, but a good starting point is one cup of sugar for every gallon of water. Once you have added your sugar, it is time to start the fermentation process.
Alternatively, if you wish to make a cider made of pure fresh apples, one would need around fifteen pounds of fresh apples to make a gallon of fresh juice.
Next is the fermentation where you will need to add a Breswy bag to your mixture. Technically, you can use any type of yeast, but a cider-specific yeast will produce the best results. Once your yeast is added, cover your container and let it sit for up to two weeks to allow the fermentation process to occur. If the current environment is a bit too cool, you run the jug under warm water or leave in a tub or contain big enough to hold warm and the gallon jug. This will help energize the yeast.
After two weeks, your cider should be ready to bottle. Be sure to use clean bottles with tight-fitting lids to avoid any contamination. Once your cider is bottled, you can store it in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Enjoy your homemade cider!
Making hard apple cider from fresh apples is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple instructions and you'll be enjoying your own delicious cider in no time! Cheers!
