How many apples does it take to make a gallon of cider?
It takes roughly 4.5 to 6 kg (10 to 13 lb) of apples to make a US gallon (3.785 litres) of cider, or about 25 to 32 medium apples, using published pressing yields. The figure depends on the variety, ripeness, mill and press. An imperial gallon (4.546 litres) needs about a fifth more.
Updated
The calculation
Pressing yield. PNW 621 gives 650–850 litres of juice per ton of apples. [1] Taking a ton as a metric tonne (1,000 kg), that is 0.65–0.85 litres per kg.
- US gallon (3.785 l): 3.785 ÷ 0.85 = 4.5 kg; 3.785 ÷ 0.65 = 5.8 kg. So about 4.5–5.8 kg (10–13 lb).
- Imperial gallon (4.546 l): 4.546 ÷ 0.85 = 5.3 kg; 4.546 ÷ 0.65 = 7.0 kg.
Check against a second source. The calvados interprofession says about 18 kg of apples give 13 litres of cider. [2] That is 1.38 kg per litre, or 5.2 kg per US gallon (1.38 × 3.785), inside the range above.
In apples. USDA lists a medium apple (3 inches across) at 182 g. [3] 4.5 kg ÷ 0.182 = 25 and 5.8 kg ÷ 0.182 = 32, so about 25–32 medium apples per US gallon. Small apples (149 g) mean more. [3]
Why the range is wide
- Press. PNW 621 notes that continuous belt presses need less labour but extract juice less efficiently. [1] See how a cider press works.
- Milling. Apples must be milled before pressing; rice hulls and enzymes are sometimes added to the pulp to improve extraction. [1]
- Fruit. Varieties differ in juiciness, and stored apples can become slimy to press as pectin develops. [1] See best apples for cider and the glossary entry for cider apple.
What happens to the juice next?
It is tested, fermented and racked off its sediment, as described in how to make cider at home. The guide on how cider is made shows the full process.
Related answers: how a cider press works · best apples for cider
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Questions
How many apples for a litre of cider?
How many apples for 5 gallons of cider?
Five times the figure for one gallon: roughly 22 to 29 kg (49 to 64 lb) using PNW 621's yield, assuming a metric tonne. [1]
How many apples for a bottle of calvados?
The calvados interprofession says about 18 kg of apples make 13 litres of cider at 5%, which distil to 1 litre of calvados at 70%. [2] See how calvados is made.
Sources
- Hard Cider Production & Orchard Management in the Pacific Northwest (PNW 621) — Washington State University, Oregon State University and University of Idaho Extension
- FAQ — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue (IDAC)
- FoodData Central: Apples, raw, with skin (FDC ID 171688, SR Legacy) — USDA Agricultural Research Service