If you’ve wondered how to make apple cider, what equipment to use, or what apple varieties that thrive locally may make a cider you’ll enjoy, then check out our September 2021 meeting video, featuring local apple specialist and cider enthusiast, Jim Rider.
Jim Rider is a power hitter in the local fruit world and beyond. A 5th generation Pajaro Valley, California, apple grower with a master’s degree in Pomology from Cornell, for decades he’s been a local leader as an innovative and influential organic orchardist, a pioneering red-fleshed apple breeder, and longtime MBCRFG member. He’s also a mainstay provisioner of apple and pear wood for our annual scion exchange and major contributor of unique varieties for our yearly apple tasting.
Jim has taken a serious interest in cider making over the last decade, and when Jim Rider puts his mind to something, it comes out good. It’s truly regrettable the group wasn’t able to taste any of his fine, dry, delicious production, but Jim will be gracing our chapter with a zoom presentation to discuss the ins and outs of fermenting our own.
His talk was tailored to the backyard fruit grower wishing to make cider from their own fruit. All aspects of the process were covered, from handling of the fruit, selection and suitability of apple varieties, yeast strains, juice handling, fermentation management, bottling, sanitation, carbonation, storage… Watch the You Tube video and enjoy hearing Jim talk about this fascinating topic.