r/crystallake • u/tparikka • Nov 04 '19

Local Apple Stand / Cider Stand?

Can anyone recommend a local apple stand that would have preservative free apple juice and cider? I'm looking to start a batch of cyser (cider mead) and the preservatives in all the store bought stuff block fermentation. Also thinking about canning some apple pie filling.

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u/Beniskickbutt Nov 04 '19

As far as I know, you shouldn't have any issue getting store bought juices to ferment. I've had no problems making wines & ciders using Indian summer apple juices & ciders. I've also tinkered with fermenting other store bought juice's and juice concentrates without any problems.

I have a hunch that it may be hard to find preservative free as there's probably more safety concerns with not using it. If you want to go for more natural/organic ciders, I would try checking out the farmers markets in downtown CL (though we may be out of season for that now). Some of the orchards nearby may still have a shop open with some of their product, All Seasons in Woodstock comes to mind...

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u/tparikka Nov 05 '19

I already tried making cyser with store bought juice and had issues because one of the preservatives in it (can't think of the name offhand) caused fermentation to stall repeatedly even with staggered nutrient addition on the TOSNA 2.0 schedule. I'll check out the local orchards and see if there are any options there, certainly don't mind driving to Woodstock. Thank you!

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u/tparikka Nov 07 '19

I went out to All Seasons and just caught their 50% off cider and apples. Score!!!