Cider and/or Apple Sources

[ejcrist]

I'm brand new to cider making and have my first batch happily fermenting away in my re-purposed freezer. I'm looking forward to making many more batches in the future but since I live in Phoenix, AZ of course fresh apples for making cider aren't around and so far I've only been able to locate decent store-bought cider at Trader Joe's and Wally Mart (Musselman's). I at least want to build a list of quality cider sources and if possible, maybe an orchard or two within 3-4 hour drive where I might be able to get apples that'd make good cider or fresh pressed juice. I'm still learning what apples make for good cider and reading a couple of books on the subject, but if anyone has any suggestions or can point me in the right direction I'd certainly appreciate it.

Thanks, Gene

 

[Magnus314]

I don't have a local answer for you. I'm in Florida, but we don't grow apples either

But if you find a "rural" grocery store- mine is in 'horse country' - they'll have 10# sacks of juice apples at a reasonable price. I can get them here for $6-$8 bucks. They are food grade, but small and/or ugly and therefore sell cheap.

juice and mix them with the best varieties you can find of bitter or tart apples if you want specific flavor, or just add tannins and acid blend.

10# of apples makes 0.6-1 gallon of juice, which may be good or bad to you, price wise.

I mix it 50/50 with store apple juice and amp it up with sugar too and it makes a great cider that way.

 

[ejcrist]

Thanks Magnus. There are a few orchards that aren't too far away that I'm planning to check out so hopefully I'll have some luck. I have supplies for wine and mead making (acids, tannin, etc.) so if nothing else I'll be doing like you said and adjusting store-bought juice.