Ready to learn what’s behind a quality cider? Don’t miss signing up for the Penn State Extension Cider Symposium, set to unfold on April 28 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m at the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center.
Registration is now open for this full-day workshop, which is ideal for those opening up a cider business or hoping to perfect their cider marketing and production skills. Participants will delve into extensive cider topics throughout the day, including the following:
- What’s Behind a Quality Cider? Discussions will focus on the use of equipment and lab techniques to help you better troubleshoot quality issues in your cider. Topics to be covered include microbial control agents, cleaning and sanitation, water dechlorination and tips from a seasoned cider maker and chemist. Leading the discussion is Adam Redding, a water technologies scientist and the cidermaker and owner at Good Intent Cider in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
- Olfactory Sensory Analysis: Training Your Senses to Identify Quality Variations in Cider. Discussion leaders: Adam Redding and Edwin Winzeler, cidermaker at Ploughman Cider in Wenksville, PA.
- The Quest for Tannins: This session examines tannin content and analyzes variety trials from the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center. Leading the seminar will be Edwin Winzeler.
- Sensory Analysis Tasting: This session works to hone participants’ tasting skills to detect quality variations in cider with an emphasis on microbial control variations. Adam Redding and Edwin Winzeler will lead this discussion.
- Sensory Analysis and Marketing: Why quality matters to your customers and what they are willing to pay for it. This session highlights work from Washington State University. Carla Snyder, hard cider educator at Penn State Extension, will lead the discussion.
- Blending Techniques: This grower and cidermaker panel discussion will encompass how blending techniques and use of cider varieties affect the quality of your end product.
The workshop will allow attendees to take part in educational sessions and get up to speed on the latest research reports and resources, as well as enjoy lunch with fellow cider industry professionals and aficionados.
The cost is $125 per person; registration closes on April 7. Register online today.
Find Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center at 670 Old Harrisburg Rd. in Gettysburg.
- Photo: BigStock