Community Apple Pressing

Intro

If this is your first time pressing apples with us, the process is straightforward, but a bit different from what people often expect. We run a structured, commercial operation, and a little preparation goes a long way in making the day run smooth.

Booking Before You Harvest

The most important thing to know is that we ask you to book a pressing appointment before picking your apples.

During harvest season, our schedule fills quickly. We’re often pressing large volumes on several days, so we’re not set up for last-minute drop-offs. We cap the day’s pressing at 12,000lbs so booking ahead ensures we can plan your press properly and keep everything running efficiently.
(If you’re visiting us for the first time and are unsure of our procedure and have picked already, call us, we may be able to accommodate you within a few days).

Preparing Your Apples

Good juice starts with good fruit.

Apples should be freshly picked and in solid condition. If they’ve been sitting on the ground for a while, it will affect both flavour and quality, please don’t pick from the ground. There’s no need to wash your apples as we take care of that, but removing leaves and excess debris helps keep the process moving smoothly.

For reference:

• Minimum quantity: 120 lbs, no maximum

• Wormholes are fine

• Windfalls are not accepted 

On the Day of Your Appointment

When you arrive, we’ll check your apples in and confirm the weight. We will then transfer your fruit into our containers, you will need to take yours away with you. If it’s your first time, we’re always happy to walk you through what’s happening. We will also let you know what day your juice is ready for pick up. 

How Your Apples Are Processed

We don’t press apples at the time of drop-off.

During harvest, we’re running continuous production, so apples are processed in scheduled runs rather than individual appointments. This allows us to maintain efficiency and consistent quality across all pressing.

How We Keep Your Apples Separate

A common question we get is: “How do I know I’m getting juice from my apples?”

We have a structured tracking system in place from start to finish.

• Each customer’s apples are placed into individual barrels 

• Every barrel is tagged with your name, apple quantity, and number of barrels 

• As barrels are loaded into the system, the tag is called out and tracked

• After pasteurization, the tag follows your batch to the packing stage 

• Your juice is boxed and moved to a designated collection area with the same tag it started out with

At every stage, your apples, and your juice, are accounted for.

Why We Require a Minimum of 120 lbs

We ask for a minimum of 120 lbs per pressing because this ensures one full, efficient run through the system.

While your apples aren’t pressed immediately at drop-off, they are cold stored then carefully tracked throughout the entire process.

You can be confident that:

• Your juice comes from your apples 

• Your batch is handled professionally 

• The system is designed for both accuracy and efficiency

Pressing & Packaging

Once pressed, your juice is pasteurized and packed into 5L bag-in-box system.

This packaging keeps air out, which is what allows the juice to stay fresh for an extended period without preservatives.

The 5L Food-grade bags are BPA Free, they can be recycled. 

Taking Your Juice Home

Once you collect your juice, we will confirm the following

• Up to 12 months unopened (stable room temperature, no temperature fluctuations)

• Up to 3 months once opened (refrigerated)

It’s simple to store and easy to use.

What This Means for You

With careful planning, the process is smooth, efficient, and predictable. You end up with high-quality, shelf-stable juicewhich is professionally processed from your own apples.Reducing waste. 

If you’re planning to harvest, get in touch early to secure your pressing date. Especially during peak season. Read more about community pressing and fill out our request to press here.