JOSEPH, ENTERPRISE — Apple cider is as much a sign of fall as pumpkins and falling leaves. This season, the Wallowa County community will have the opportunity to taste cider at two cider pressings scheduled for the first two Saturdays in October.

The first is the Wallowa County Farmers Market annual cider pressing on Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market located at Stein’s parking lot in Joseph. Those who want cider need to bring their own apples and containers; pressing is on a first come, first served basis, and is limited to two containers per person.

A market volunteer will press the cider into the person’s container using the apples they bring. Donations of apples are welcome if the apples come from a tree and are not collected from the ground. A limited amount of apples will be available for purchase, but no containers will be available.

The Wallowa County Farmer’s Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“This is a great event for the whole family and a wonderful opportunity to see an authentic wooden apple press in operation,” said Nathan Slinker, president of the board for the Wallowa County Farmers Market.

For more information visit the market’s website, www.wallowacountyfarmersmarket.com.

The second cider pressing is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14, at St. Patrick Episcopal Church, 100 NE Third St. in Enterprise, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be served.

Also, bring your pet for a St. Francis Day Blessing and receive a free gift. For more information, call 541-263-0752.

Cider tips

The best cider is made from a variety of different apples and can vary in color from golden or pale yellow to a rosy blush.

The taste also varies depending on the apple or apples used and the sugar content and acidity of the apple.

Some cider will taste sweet, while other ciders will taste more crisp and tart.

Cider left unrefrigerated will start to ferment and will turn “hard” which means the naturally occurring yeast and sugar in the cider is converted to alcohol.

The cider from both pressing events will be unpasteurized. This means it will be fresh and will not have been heated to a temperature sufficient to kill any existing bacteria. Unpasteurized cider should be kept refrigerated.

The apples are pressed using a cider press loaned for community cider pressings and educational events by Dr. Sevrin Knudsen, owner of the Enterprise Veterinary Hospital in Enterprise.