Best Press for Blueberries?

[elenarain]

Does anyone have a recommendation? I used a commercial potato masher last time..would like to crush more berries and get more out of them without cutting up the skins and seeds.

Any ideas?

Thank you!

 

[Runningwolf]

I put them through the grape crusher with the rollers adjusted close. When it's time to press i use a basket press.

 

[novalou]

Does anyone have a recommendation? I used a commercial potato masher last time..would like to crush more berries and get more out of them without cutting up the skins and seeds.

Any ideas?

Thank you!

I did 10 lbs with a potato masher. When it came time to press, I used a nylon straining bag.

 

[Runningwolf]

Humm potato masher? I did about 500 gallons. No water added, ever!

 

[vacuumpumpman]

I put them through the grape crusher with the rollers adjusted close. When it's time to press i use a basket press.

I agree ^^^^ the crusher is designed to crush more than grapes

 

[jswordy]

How much are you making? I just put the berries in gallon Ziplocks and squeeze the bags to smash them, then turn the bags inside out into the fermenter or the straining bag. It's really quick for up to 10 gallons. After that, it could get tedious.

Works great too if you are buying frozen blueberries - just thaw and smush em up in the bags they came in.

(BTW, Runningwolf works for a winery and has all the cool equipment.)

 

[Runningwolf]

...But did you ever see his home wine cellar and lab seperate from the winery. Jim you know I have an apply cider grinder/press but I don't think I'll ever get into processing grapes at home even if I didn't work at the winery. It's just a step I prefer not to do at home with so much much fresh juice available in the area including Walkers.

 

[elenarain]

Thanks for the input...I want to do about 80 gallons. I have been debating about whether or not to freeze them first. I know the cell walls will break down more with freezing. What do you think about a grinder (like for apples), then a basket press?

Think I need to look for a job at a winery ; )

 

[Runningwolf]

Just watch craigs list.