What variety of apples should i use?
Any variety of apples can be pressed into a delicious juice, the taste of the apples will always reflect the flavour. A sweet desert apple will produce a sweeter juice, a Bramley cooking apple will produce a sharper juice which is very refreshing, particularly with breakfast.
Is my fruit ready to pick?
Apple varieties ripen at different times, some in August all the way through until December. Your fruit is ready when it can be picked off the the tree with a gentle twist, no yanking should be required. When cut in half the pips should be black and glossy. If all else fails then try the taste test, if its sour then leave on the tree to ripen!
Can I use windfalls?
No please do not pick any windfalls, apples for juicing need to be clean and picked off the tree.
What shall I pick my apples into?
Apples can be picked into any clean sturdy container such as baskets or crates, please avoid plastic carrier bags as these will make the apples sweat. Your apples will be unloaded into our crates when dropped off.
How much juice will I get in return for my apples?
One of the most important questions! Your apples will be weighed prior to pressing and on average 1.5kgs of apples will return one 750ml bottle of juice. Please note yields vary year to year and is also dependent on variety. Some apples may be rejected in the washing and grading process so please use this as a guide. I do not keep any of the juice for myself!
Do I need to book?
YES, please find the link on the website to the BOOK NOW page and follow the instructions provided.
Is there a minimum charge or quantity?
Yes we need 20kgs of apples in order to press a sufficient amount to make it worth your while!
What is the cost of the service?
We charge £2.95 per 750ml glass bottle of juice. This includes a personalised label. For large volumes/trade please get in touch.
Can I reuse the bottles?
You can happily reuse them yourself. However due to the process of sterilising to meet with food hygiene regulations we are unable to reuse the bottles for the pressing service.
Can I have my apples pressed for cider?
Yes, if you wish to have your apples pressed for cider you will need to supply an appropriate container or fermenter for the juice to be pressed into.
When will my juice be ready for collection?
We aim to have your apples pressed and bottles labelled within 5-7 days of drop off. We will text/email you when they are ready. They will be packed in cardboard boxes and this is included in the price per bottle.
Payment methods
The juice can be paid for on collection by cash or cheque. Alternatively we will supply BAC’s details when we contact you to let you know your juice is ready for collection. Unfortunately we CANNOT take card payments.
Do I only get my apples back?
Yes, we pride ourselves on small batch pressing, therefore you will only receive your own apples back in your juice, so one persons juice may taste completely different to the next!
Trade customers
If you are a customer wishing to use our pressing service to make use of your own apples for a farm shop or similar then please get in touch to discuss options – Alf 07969 754712
If you have any further questions we have not managed to answer please get in touch with Alf or Flora on 07969754712/07720 852546, or email ashhousefarmorchard@gmail.com