Orcharding for Hard Cider the Topic of WSU Snohomish County Extension Class

WSU Tree Fruit Specialist Gary Moulton giving a tree fruit tree pruning demonstration.
WSU Tree Fruit Specialist Gary Moulton giving a tree fruit tree pruning demonstration. Click image for a high resolution version.

EVERETT, Wash. — In colonial times, hard cider was consumed more than whiskey, wine, and beer combined. The second president of the United States, John Adams, often drank hard cider at breakfast to “soothe his stomach.” Now, just as the microbrew revolution stirred interest in handcrafted beers, artisan cider makers are leading a newfound appreciation of a well-made hard cider.

Join Washington State University Snohomish County Extension on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a class at Ed’s Apples, 13420 339th Ave S.E. in Sultan, to learn what it takes to grow and maintain your own cider orchard. In addition, you’ll learn the steps necessary to create a quality hard-cider product, a rapidly growing small farm boutique product niche.

WSU Tree Fruit Specialist Gary Moulton from the Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center at Mount Vernon will present an in-depth overview of the topic, including varietal selection, growing and harvesting information, as well as an informal look at the production steps from raw fruit to finished bottle.

The cost is $55 per person and includes a box lunch. Pre-registration is required. To register, download the form here and mail it with your check, or contact Karie Christensen at 425/338-2400 or by e-mail at klchristen@wsu.edu.

Ed’s Apples is located just off SR 2 in Sultan at 134220 339th Ave. S.E.

For more information, contact Kate Halstead, khalstead@wsu.edu or 425/357-6024.

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