Apple Cider a fall hit

As I look out the window this morning, I am appreciating the view. Autumn is one of my favourite seasons.

The transformation of colours, the cool crisp evenings and I know I should not get ahead of myself, but it means that Christmas is not far off.

First things first though, one holiday at a time.

Thanksgiving is here this weekend, and although we have all had a tough 2020, I remind myself there is always something to be thankful for.

Please take a moment with your family, friends or neighbours and appreciate what you do have, even the smallest things.

In keeping with a holiday science theme, I thought I would try a little activity for a delicious beverage in order to use up some of those apples on my tree. Let’s get started.

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials stove medium size pot knife cutting board

10 -12 apples cheesecloth clear glass jar with a lid cinnamon sticks (optional) water bowl string or very large rubber band

Procedure

1. Have an adult helper assist you in cutting up the apples. Small to medium sized pieces are just fine. There is no need to peel or core them. Place all of the pieces in the pot.

2. Cover the apples with water (add the cinnamon stick if you wish) and place on the stove over medium heat. Bring the apple mixture to a boil and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.

3. Remove the apple mixture from the heat and set it aside allowing it to cool.

4. Take the bowl and cover the mouth of it with two layers of cheesecloth. You may have to secure it in place with some string or a very large rubber band.

5. Once the apple mixture has cooled, have an adult help you pour it slowly over the cheesecloth and allowing it to slowly drip into the bowl below.

6. Observe what is happening.

7. Pour the clear delicious liquid in the bowl into the jar, cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What is going on?

In this experiment you simply made apple cider which is a delicious drink to enjoy hot or cold anytime, but especially in the fall when the apples are so abundant and fresh on the trees.

The science behind this fun activity is that you learned how to filter mixtures. The filter you made was with the cheesecloth. As you poured the liquid mixture through it, the cheesecloth was able to filter out all of the solid bits of apple leaving you with a clear delicious liquid to enjoy. A filter can be any porous material that allows the liquid to pass through it, leaving the solid pieces behind. Can you think of any other filters you could have used? Investigate on your own.

Please note that because of the current health situation, our physical office is temporarily closed. Praxis will not be distributing kits or offering other direct services for now. We will continue to do science outreach via our web page and social media.

Patty Rooks, Senior

Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, www. praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@ praxismh.ca.