Black oily substance from press

[Rob S]

I've been using my small stainless steel basket press for pressing apple slices frozen at around 20 degress F to make some ice cider when I started to notice a black oily substance coming out between the post in the middle and the plate that does the pressing. I think it is from the large pressure I have to exert on the press and resulting from the lubricant picking up some of the metal perhaps due to some grinding. I have been wiping it off between each pressing and some might have went into the juice before I first noticed this. Should I be concerned from contamination of the juice? Sometimes stainless steel is coated with other metals such as zinc, carbon, etc. Would a small amount settle to the bottom with the rest of the fruit residues?

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Rob S

 

[Scooter68]

I've had a similar problem and cut a food grade bucket lid down to just a hair smaller than the press disc. Then sanitize it before use. Place that between your fruit and the press disc.

 

[Rob S]

Great idea, thanks Scooter68. Did the remainder of the apples this morning and this time I was ready and wiped anything that appeared.