The type of apples that are used determines the flavor of the cider. There are sweet apples, mildly tart apples, tart apples, aromatic apples, and every kind of apple in between. But the best cider comes from a blend of several varieties. Here in the Adirondacks, due to the climate and glacial till soil, Empire, Cortland, Red Delicious, and Alexander grow the best.
In our part of the Adirondacks, Hicks Orchard is a favorite place to get apples. They are very busy this time of year! They have several varieties to choose from, and you can even pick your own. Check out Apple Journal for an orchard in your area.
There are also a number of cider mills in the Adirondacks that you can visit to watch cider making, and to purchase their delicious products. Eagle Mills Cider Company in Broadalbin, New York will walk you through the process of cidering step by step. You can watch the 1907, 50-bushel antique press work while being powered by a water wheel. They are celebrating the Harvest Festival on October 7 and 8.
Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, New York also has a press that is powered by water and they give tours, too. They are celebrating their 145th year of cidering this year.
The Annual Apple Pressing takes place at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake on October 6 and 7. Come and watch a steam-powered cider press in action.
If you want to try to make your own cider, you'll need apples, of course, and some type of press to extract the juice. You can buy an apple cider press or send for plans to make your own. There are many ways to buy a press. Some come fully assembled, some as complete kits, and some let you buy a few parts and make the rest. There is a wide range of styles and prices to choose from.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Gary W. Taylor's Adirondack Mountains topic, please visit the Discussions page.