Good Day Sir,
I would like to add a few comments to that excellent primer on cider making.
First, If you skip all of the picking and crushing to buy the fresh unpasteurized sweet cider, be aware that some places (companies and regular people) add potassium sorbate to the final product. This inhibits the growth of bacteria. On top of that, it keeps yeast from growing. The best way to overcome this is to starter. Add your yeast to a small container (with airlock) a cup of water and a half a cup of
sugar. Let this ferment for a day or two. Most dry yeasts need a healthy environment to first reanimate and reproduce. Once you have a small army of budding yeast, they’re ready to hit the cider!
Secondly, I would recommend talking to your favorite/local coffee shop. Most syrups and flavorings come in glass, 750ml screw-top bottles. They’re mostly getting tossed in the trash, so my shop was happy to leave a box or two on the back stoop every other night. The seal holds well (I make carbonated drinks too) and are reusable.
Thank you again for a wonderful trove of information in SurvivalBlog, – Jim S.
JWR:
From the outset, the author mentions that if you get your apples, even from a local farm that you will most likely get traces of chemicals in your apples. That may be true but there are plenty of farmers out there that are “organic certified”. In my opinion that statement was a little broad for my liking. I, myself grow for the local farmers market and although not “organically certified” grow all my produce following the organic guidelines and will not treat a crop with OMRI certified products unless I have to. I consume the exact same produce that I am selling you and do not want to eat the chemicals anymore than you do! I firmly believe that using sustainable agricultural practices is better for the environment and the land I use to make my food and income, rather than destroying it for future growing needs. Chemical free produce is a growing trend and feel that it is fairly easy to find that type of produce rather than assuming your getting my chemicals in your apple. Whose going to feed you when SHTF and your supplies run out? Why I am! Because I love what I do, want to give you an exceptional healthy product and will be consuming it also. Trust your farmer, and eat local! – Scott M.