Place apples, lemon, ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise (if using) and brown sugar in a large stock pot. Cover with 12 cups of filtered water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 1 hour at a gentle simmer, then use a potato masher to break the apples down until they are soft.

Cook for another hour, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, carefully pass through a fine mesh strainer into a container of choice.

You may cool the cider slightly and enjoy it warm, or let it cool completely and chill it in the fridge to enjoy it cold.