They’re grown here on the farm, of course! Seems like a silly question, but it still gets asked!
We grow over 20 varieties of heirloom and modern apples in our 3 acre orchard, nestled in the back corner of our farm.
Our orchard was planted in 1984 by our original farm owners and we have added and subtracted varieties over the past 20 years.
We introduced U-pick apples in 2010 as a way to increase awareness and create a fun, fall experience.
Are your apples ‘No Spray’?
Our apples are sustainably grown with a limited amount of sprays in order to produce a viable crop.
The wet weather of Western Oregon makes it hard to grow certain crops without protectants from insects and disease, so we choose carefully and limit our sprays to a blend of organic and conventional methods.
Our apples will still show signs of pests and disease because of our low spray methods, so anticipate less-than-perfect apples and know that they are a healthier alternative to a highly sprayed ‘perfect’ apple.
How do I tell if an apple is ripe?
Look for apples with good color and size, remember some apples are naturally smaller and apples inside the tree will be lighter in color (lack of sun) so this method is not foolproof.
Seed color can determine ripeness…we look for brown seeds, not white or light green.
Take a bite out of the apple! Sweetness is best tested by taste, as well as texture…you want crisp and juicy, not tart or chalky.
Sugar content can be tested…we use all of the above methods along with a sugar meter that tells us the percentage of sugar, so if we have listed an apple as ‘available’, you can bet that it’s ripe and ready!
How do I pick the best apple?
Perform a quick visual inspection, looking for good color, size and relatively unblemished skin.
Gently lift and give a slight twist to the apple and it should come off easily.
Place apples gently into your bag or bucket to prevent bruising.
Do not pick apples off the ground, as these are potentially diseased or damaged (they have fallen for a reason!)
Which variety is best for ______?
We grow apples for many different uses…pie baking, saucing, juicing and of course, for fresh eating!
For a list of our suggested uses for each variety, click on the link below.
Just ask us! We’re happy to share our knowledge and experience with each of our apple varieties.
Also know that it’s all a matter of taste…we offer samples of each apple in season to help you pick your favorite.
