You can definitely use a juicer to make apple cider! Using a juicer can make the process of extracting juice from the apples much easier and more efficient. It allows you to quickly and effectively extract the juice without the need for manually crushing or pressing the apples.
To start, you will need to sterilize your juicer to ensure that it is clean and free from any bacteria or contaminants. This can be done by thoroughly washing all the parts of the juicer with hot soapy water and rinsing them well. You can also use a food-safe sanitizer to further disinfect the juicer.
Once your juicer is clean, you can begin by washing your apples. It is important to wash the apples well to remove any dirt, pesticides, or wax that may be present on the skin. You can use a vegetable brush or a gentle scrubbing pad to ensure that the apples are properly cleaned.
Next, cut the apples into small pieces that will fit into the juicer chute. Depending on the size of your juicer, you may need to cut the apples into quarters or eighths. It is also recommended to remove the seeds and stems from the apples before juicing.
Now, it's time to juice the apples. Feed the apple pieces into the juicer chute one at a time, allowing the juicer to extract the juice from each piece. The juicer will separate the juice from the pulp, and the juice will flow out into a container or directly into your demijohns.
Once you have juiced all the apples, it is a good idea to strain the juice through a muslin cloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining pulp or solids. This will help to ensure that your cider is smooth and free from any unwanted particles.
You can pour the strained juice into your sterilized demijohns. It is important to leave some headspace in the demijohns to allow for fermentation and the release of carbon dioxide. You can then take a hydrometer reading to determine the specific gravity of the juice, which will give you an idea of the potential alcohol content of your finished cider. Ideally, you're looking for a specific gravity of around 1.050, which would result in a cider with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 6.5%.
Using a juicer for apple cider can be a convenient and efficient method, especially if you have a large quantity of apples to process. It saves you time and effort compared to manually crushing or pressing the apples. However, it is important to note that the quality of the juicer and the variety of apples used can affect the flavor and overall quality of the cider.
In my personal experience, I have found that using a high-quality juicer with a slow speed setting produces the best results. It helps to preserve the flavors and aromas of the apples while extracting the maximum amount of juice. Additionally, using a mix of apple varieties can add complexity and depth to the cider, resulting in a more interesting and enjoyable final product.
Using a juicer for apple cider is a great option for home cider makers. It simplifies the process and allows you to quickly and easily extract the juice from your apples. Just remember to properly clean and sterilize your juicer, wash your apples, strain the juice, and take a hydrometer reading to ensure a successful fermentation and delicious homemade cider.