Jeremy (kneeling), Cody and Dylan Mullis pose with father Jeffery’s apple cider press.
The Stanly News and Press (Albemarle, NC)
December 7, 2011
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
By Marina Richardson, Staff Writer
CNHI News Service
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 — A homemade cider press has become part of a tradition for a Richfield family.
Jeffrey Mullis, 48, of Richfield, helped make apple cider with his grandparents when he was 12 years old.
“The cider press was originally from Chesterfield, S.C.,” Mullis said.
Mullis and his grandparents originally made the cider at their home across from Bear Creek Primitive Baptist Church.
Mullis hopes to pass on the skill of cider making to his sons, who are currently helping with the process.
“They participated for the first time this year,” Mullis said.
Each year, Mullis goes to the mountains to pick up apples to put through the cider press.
“This press turns out about three gallons per bushel of apples, depending on how good or how juicy the apples are,” Mullis said.
According to Mullis, the press is run by a five horsepower motor that turns at 35 rpms.
“I can run two bushels through in no time,” Mullis said.
“It’s a lot of fun.”
http://thesnaponline.com/features/x781757866/The-apple-doesn-t-fall-far-from-the-tree