13 more pounds of crabapples were picked. They weren't the color I was going after, but they weren't buggy, so I foraged anyway. I was looking for red crabapples, but who cares if you can still get juice for wine!
I cut the stem and blossom ends off and then cut each in half lengthwise. Then I added them to a big pot with 4 cups of water. I have found that for approximately 12 pounds of apples/crabapples, 4 cups of water is all you need to get them cooking and have good juice later.
Simmer and stir somewhat regularly until the apples have softened. Then strain through a bag (cheesecloth, cotton jersey, etc) hanging over a pot for the night. You'll end up with some nice juice. I got 4 pounds. 4 pounds isn't enough for an entire batch of wine, so the juice was frozen. When I have another amount of something to make extra juice (maybe pears), I'll add it to this and make a mixed wine. Actually, Intimidating Minnow and I will make the mixed wine. We're doing all the wine making at his house. And good thing too...I have a kitchen full of apples and pears again. Good problem, good problem.
Also, I dried another quart of apple chips. That puts me at 6 or 7 quarts.
Image credit: Cale Ruiz
I cut the stem and blossom ends off and then cut each in half lengthwise. Then I added them to a big pot with 4 cups of water. I have found that for approximately 12 pounds of apples/crabapples, 4 cups of water is all you need to get them cooking and have good juice later.
Simmer and stir somewhat regularly until the apples have softened. Then strain through a bag (cheesecloth, cotton jersey, etc) hanging over a pot for the night. You'll end up with some nice juice. I got 4 pounds. 4 pounds isn't enough for an entire batch of wine, so the juice was frozen. When I have another amount of something to make extra juice (maybe pears), I'll add it to this and make a mixed wine. Actually, Intimidating Minnow and I will make the mixed wine. We're doing all the wine making at his house. And good thing too...I have a kitchen full of apples and pears again. Good problem, good problem.
Also, I dried another quart of apple chips. That puts me at 6 or 7 quarts.
Image credit: Cale Ruiz