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Our Story

We have been making cider now for 8 years. It all started when we asked a neighbour, who has a small orchard, what he did with all his apples. He replied ‘they are a pain really, we eat some, give some away, but there are far too many’. We couldn’t stand seeing them go to waste, hence We got started on making our own cider.

Our Original Press

Here is a picture of the original press we built using some plans off the internet. it worked really well, although a little slow and we had to replace the top cross-bar with a piece of hardwood as the one you see here cracked under the pressure.

Preparing The Apples

We wash, clean and prepare all the apples by hand to make sure we have the best quality fruit in the cider. This really helps prevent problems later on.

Today we still wash, clean and sort by hand but not quite as individually as in the early days, shown here.

Crushing

For the first year we used a piece of prepared 4″x4″ to crush the apples before pressing. A bit laborious but it worked. The second year we managed to borrow a mill from a friend.

In 2014 we purchased a commercial mill that can process up to 1000Kg an hour! This is a major help when you have many tonnes to process.

Pressing

Finally pressing the apple pulp ready for fermentation. This is the really exciting stage. Getting all the family involved is part of it – as long as they don’t drink too much of the gorgeous apple juice!

We use hydro-press now which is much more efficient and reliable but still produces an amazing juice, just using the pressure of water.

A Community Activity

Apple picking and cider making has long been a community activity. Although we don’t live on a farm a lot of people still get involved in providing, picking, pressing and of course drinking the end product. 

Meet The Team

Mark Rudge

Mark Rudge

Founder and Owner of Wasted Apple

Its not just a family affair at the Wasted Apple Co. We are proud to be supported by our friends and the local community.

Jackie

Jackie

Chief Social Mediarist! Keeps all our feet on the ground and actually makes things happen.

Lydia

Lydia

Patient daughter who thankfully lends a helping hand when home.

Beth

Beth

Chief Blogger. Supporting Social Mediarist daughter, who thankfully runs the market stall when needed.

The Boys

The Boys

Energetic trio who love climbing trees, shaking branches and eating apples.

Shirley

Shirley

Top sales person, number 1 volunteer (and friend) and all round best supporter.

Barry

Barry

Top Bottler. Holds the record for most bottles / hour. Provides much needed help, when we need it.

Supporters

Just some of our invaluable supporters at Wasted Apple

Chloe

Chloe

Pam

Pam

Deborah

Deborah

Graham

Graham

Sharon

Sharon

Rachel

Rachel