Juice fresh apples in a clean, sealed cider press
The hardwood basket of a cider press requires cleansing and maintenance for best longevity. A wooden apple press needs a degree of protection whether it's used as a pure juice press or for cider making. An apple press with clean, coated wood will last longer while making quality juice and mash.
Instructions
1. Sanitize the wooden apple press basket and racks by pouring boiling water over the parts. Use iodophor as a final rinse to ensure food safety.
2. Spread a light coat of mineral oil on all the wood parts of your cider press with a clean cloth. Allow 20 minutes for the oil to soak into the wood before using the juice press. Natural oil is a good wood finish--and mineral oil is edible.
3. Seal the exterior wood and metal parts of the juice press by applying clear varnish or pure tung oil with a paint brush. Use beeswax as a substitute for the oil, or mix the wax with one of the oils before applying.
4. Seal the interior wood for protection against moisture with a food-safe finish, if desired. Apples for cider making contain acid that degrades wood over time. Some manufacturers recommend using food-grade polymer gel that is clearly labeled as a food-safe product to seal the basket.
Tags: cider press, juice press, apple press, cider making, press with, press with clean