5/29/10 Group Post Materials

The actual tasks you completed: This week I worked on finding information about materials that are used in making a cider press. I was to find out what kind of materials people preferred.

The progress you made toward your desired outcome(s): I made great materials. I found only two relevant materials which are wood and metal. I looked into the benefits of each type. I still have not discovered which material is preferred. Wood is defiantly traditional. I have posted on a few blogs of people who are in the wine/cider pressing industry asking what the advantages and disadvantages are of both. I am waiting to hear back from that.

The lessons you learned: I have learned a lot about thinking outside of the box. Because this industry is not big, I can't just look about metal presses. I do not find any information about why that material is used. I have looked up materials of small appliances to see why metal or wood is used for them. I have also looked up things about counter tops just to see why they are made of certain materials.

Below is some info I found:
Materials
1) Wood
Pros Cons
• Light material- easy to move
• Traditional • Could chip
• Soft woods give off flavor
• Hard to clean wood
• They need to be oiled and sealed
• Can become infested with insects.

• Wood presses are traditional because they are cheaper, and easier to transport.
• Soft woods give off flavor to the apple cider/juice, ie. pine wood. Oak is typically used because it is a hard wood. (Wood, 1)
• Wood can be tough to keep clean. It is especially hard to prevent bacteria from growing on it.
• Because wood absorbs water, it needs to be oiled and sealed occasionally. (Kitchen, 1)
• Can become infested with insects.
2) Metal
Pros Cons
• Steel does not absorb dirt;
• Steel appliances can be wiped down with a damp cloth and sanitized easily.
• Long life span
• Does not harbor germs
• Does not react with flavors at all
• Won’t chip or rust • Very heavy material and hard to move.
• Could give a metallic taste to apple cider.
• Electric grinders will grind fingers as easily as apples.

• Steel is a good product because it doesn’t absorb dirt; it also is easy to sanatize, because you can wipe it down with cleaners and a water. (Karimi, 1)
• Steel will last for many years because “it's also a rust-proof and stain-resistant material.” (Karimi, 1)
• Steel “resists bacteria and germs more effectively than wood or plastic surfaces.” (Karimi, 1)
• “Steel is one of the most hygienic surfaces available, so any foods that come into contact with the surface or material do not attract dirt or germs. Steel also does not react with any foods that may be used during meal preparation and cooking.” (Karimi, 1)
• “It won't chip or easily rust and it takes little seasoning.” (Stainless, 1)
• “Acidity: Remember that apple juice is pretty acidic with a pH between 3 and 5 so you want to avoid contact with iron, steel, galvanized steel and aluminum. While the connection between using aluminum cook ware and Alzheimer's disease has been pretty well disproven, prolonged contact could give a metallic taste to your cider. You don't want that, do you?” (Donaghue,1)
• Electric grinders will grind fingers as easily as apples. They also have electricity running through them and you will probably be outside, on the ground with wash water and apple juice all around so be careful. (Donaghue, 1)