Community Apples Finding New Life in Cider

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161 Kenneth St., Duncan 250-597-3695 Community Apples Finding New Life in Cider

For the second time, Cowichan Green Community (CGC) and Valley Cider Company have teamed up to divert thousands of pounds of potentially wasted apples from local trees, into a delicious summer cider that literally gives back to the community.

For over a decade now, CGC has been leading the mostly volunteer run ‘Fruit-Save’ program that connects tree owners with pickers who travel all over the Cowichan Region to save fruit that otherwise might be wasted. This area is rich with age old heritage apple and fruit trees whose lineage goes back generations, producing apples whose taste and complexity make it into every cider maker’s dream.

Step in Valley Cider’s owner and creative genius, Bruce McKinlay, and you have a recipe for a one off cider that you simply can’t miss.

“Backyard and forgottenorchard apples are the best… trees that have survived by their strength, not from being too coddled, tend to produce fruit rich in character which is unreplicable and unique. The opportunity to create cider directly from our community and then give directly back to it really touches upon the essence of cider, a drink produced from and celebrating what we grow. This year, we were inspired by the giant stands of grand fir trees that often surround our orchards, protecting them from the worst of inclement weather. Collecting fir tips in the spring and blending them with the cider produced beautifully resinous citrus notes that really make this a wonderful release.” The past 2020 season saw some 12,000 lbs of fruit picked from all over the Cowichan, stored and then carefully pressed at McBarleys using their mobile press. The juice was then further stored and slowly fermented to produce a dry, one off, refreshing cider than leaves the mouth wanting more. Other unwanted fruit that made its way into this batch include pears and quince juice, offering tasting notes unlike anything else.

This cider unique to our community will be placed in local specialty liquor stores for a limited time and while supplies last. The Valley Cider tasting room is now open for business where you can try and purchase. Proceeds from the cider are returned to CGC to continue much needed local food security programs and to ensure this collaboration continues.

Nathan Harben is the Project Manager for CGC’s Food Recovery Project and reFRESH Cowichan