Apple project gets off to a wonderful start
Volunteers involved with a project designed to reduce waste have said they are pleased with the success of the first of three apple pressing sessions to be held in Blairgowrie over the coming weeks.
The Apples Galore initiative first came about through the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Cafe and aims to encourage people to use local fruit rather than buy imported goods.
Since its inception six years ago, the project has seen hundreds of kilos-worth of apples donated and redistributed to anyone who could use them, including local schools and community groups.
Upcycled bags of apples are left around the town for people to help themselves to, and this year, the Climate Cafe has purchased its own apple press to encourage local residents to get their apples pressed in the town.
The first pressing session took place on Sunday, September 18, at JJ Coupar Recreation Park.
And as well as the apple pressing itself, information about reducing waste was also available at the session, thanks to Ana de Miguel from Perth and Kinross Council’s waste awareness team.
Len Seal from the Climate Cafe told the Blairie: “There were about 16 of us at the pressing including two young helpers and we think we made around 80 litres of exquisite apple juice, which was much more tasty than the juice we buy in the shops!
“The juice will be okay for up to a week if kept in a fridge and can also be frozen very successfully.
“It is also possible to pasteurise the juice and we believe it will keep for up to two years. Next year we hope to make pasteurising part of what we offer.”
The next two pressing sessions will take place on Saturday, October 15, from 10am to 1pm, and Sunday, October 30, from 1pm to 4pm, both at JJ Coupar Recreation Park on Coupar Angus Road.
People are encouraged to bring their apples for pressing along with clean juice bottles.
The service is free but donations to the Climate Cafe would be appreciated.