Crab Apples

[Wade E]

The crab apples are coming into season now and I was able to pick around 8 lbs today. Theres a ton more that arent ready yet but i wanted to get these big ones as they were starting to fall off the trees. Its going to be a busy year for me this year!

 

[JWMINNESOTA]

What are the plans Wade, Blends , meads, straight apple?

 

[Wade E]

My sparkling crab apple is every ones favorite so I guess I gotta fill her up as its getting low. I will have a sh!t load of regular apple also soon so Cyser wil be in the works. l

 

[Tom]

Wade,
Will you still have the "tart" carb apple taste?

 

[Wade E]

It actually exaggerates it when its carbonated.

 

[Tom]

A few years ago I did a fresh cranberry wine. It tatse just like the bitter cranberry with a kick. LOL!

 

[Wade E]

I picked 26 lbs today after work in this extremely warm weather and was drenched. I have enough for my 6 gallon batch and theres a ton more but thats it for me. I told my friend that he if he wants I will help him pick a batch of his own. He's never made anything but a few Mist kits even though hes the 1 that got me into wine making and Ive been pushing him this year. Ive so far gotten him to pick enough raspberries for a batch and Ill help him get that going this weekend. Now all I got to do is pick more blackberries and then start the Elderberries as Ive finally found a few bushes locally. I didnt get enough mullberries due to a wind storm sp will blend those in with a can of Vintners Harvest Marionberry wine base.

 

[IQwine]

we need pics, Wade

 

[grapeman]

Wade, I wish you were up here. You love Black Currant wine - as I do also. I however do not have time to pick my black currants this year and they are beginning to drop. I have 15 bushes mostly 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. The currants are just hanging there like a bumper crop of huge blueberries. You just scoop them off with your hand. I don't know how many gallons of currants there is. I wish someone would pick them as I hate to see them go to waste. I guess I should take a couple hours and pick them soon. But then I would have to freeze them.............. Wish you were here!

 

[Wade E]

5 hour ride approx. Any idea as how many lbs that would be?

 

[grapeman]

I have no idea at this point how many pounds there is. I may try and pick one average bush and see how many pounds are on it. I can then let you know. When I planted them, I only had 150 vines, now that they are bearing, I have a couple thousand vines to tend!

 

[Wade E]

My wife just informed me thats its too far to travel for some berries!!!

I have a friend who has some growing and is going to give me some clippings that I will transplant in the side of the yard where it does get some good sunlight. Can you give me some pointers as to when is the best time to do this and how is the best way to do this. I was told to just get a big bag of Miracle grow potting soil and stick the clippings in there. I think I need more info then this as i dont really grow anything.

 

[JWMINNESOTA]

Wade, your not traveling for the berries, your going to see Appleman, hell man, thats worth it!

 

[Wade E]

I know, 1 of these days Im going to take that trip but right now its just not affordable. Just forking out a few bucks for the sugar to make the wine and some corks is pushing the budget a little to far. Hopefully next year will be a little easier on our budget as the wife will be finished with her schooling which will be a great burden off my back.

 

[grapeman]

The currants are easy to start Wade and grow. Just take the cuttings- any time of year works with them. If they are green and growing either put them in a container with a bit of water to root the cutting or plant them in a bit of potting soil. You can also plant dormant cuttings in the early spring also in some potting soil. I would use small pots. Keep moist, not wet. You can also start more plants by taking a branch and bend it down to the ground. Put a bit of soil over it near the base where it touches the ground. It will root in a few weeks so you can cut it off and replant somewhere else.


Hope the wife gets out of school and then you can maybe make a few more wines etc.

 

[Wade E]

A few more wines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JWMINNESOTA]

Let us know when you break ground on that second cellar!

 

[rrawhide]

Hi Rich


Will currants grow in central california?


Wade - when you drive over to see appleman just continue a few miles further west and come and see us - - - we will leave the light on!!!!!


rrawhide

 

[Wade E]

Ill be making the Crab apple tomorrow along with a blend of Marionberry wine base and the Mulberries as I didnt have enough mulberries to make a batch this year of more then about a gallon and a half.

 

[grapeman]

Hi Rich


Will currants grow in central california?


rrawhide

I don't know the answer to that rawhide!? They grow easily here, but I'm not sure of their adaptability out there. I will check and see what I can find.