Today is hot enough to cook an egg in my car but that doesn't stop me from dreaming of fall-- leaves falling, sweaters on and fresh apple cider in the glass. Since that isn't quite yet a reality yet, I thought I would conjure up such thoughts by starting a series on Apple Cider and how to make it and the perfect equipment you need to accomplish this time-honored family tradition.
Apples are one of America's favorite fruits but did you know that the US is not the largest producer of apples? The People's Republic of China is but US falls a close second. US crop production continues to rise rise rise. Nearly 300 million bushels are produced in the US every year.
What's a bushel? Great question. Bushels are an imperial dry measurement that typically weighs between 42 and 48 lbs. Check this out:There are over 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the US (and triple that worldwide) with the Red Delicious coming out as the most popular. Check out these:
Apples are a staple in millions of American homes-- thanks to the pilgrims who first planted apples in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Actually part of the rose family, pilgrims referred to apples as "winter banana" or "melt-in-your-mouths".
Apples are second only to oranges in American's most favored fruit. And 20% of all apples grown are used to make apple cider. In Part 2 of A Pressing Matter, we will explore how to make apple cider-- as it is easier than you think!
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