Preparing the fruit

Give your apples a quick wash to remove any filth, and discard any rotten fruit. Washing them before pressing is not entirely necessary, as pathogens cannot survive the alcohol levels in cider after fermentation. However, it’s advisable not to drink the freshly squeezed juice during pressing, especially if your apples are collected from orchards where animals and livestock have been freely flinging their faeces in joyful abandon.