TODAY IN THE ORCHARD

Wicksons waiting to be collected from the big blue tarp

I picked apples for our cider pressing including the Albert Etter selection, Wickson, which is an excellent cider apple if you pick it late. They tested at 19 brix. Time to shake the trees. I used our huge blue tarp and a panking pole. The panking pole has a long straight handle with a hook on the end. I spread the tarp out on the ground under the tree, hooked a strategic branch and started shaking. Ripe apples rain down in a few seconds, and the 2” Wicksons were ready. They were showering down all over me before I could say, “WASSAIL!” I collected seven bushels. I also collected an assortment of other apples that should round out the pressing.