Apples

It is not possible to grow scab susceptible apple varieties such as McIntosh and Cortland without some spray applications. Through the use of IPM techniques, we have reduced sprays by about 1/2, most of which are applied before bloom. All sprays are discontinued 30 days prior to harvest.

In a humid summer we do run the risk of some skin blemishes with this reduced spray schedule, but such blemishes are usually only skin deep and will be removed in the peeling process.

Pre-picked apples are sold by the pound or volume, depending on quantity. Varieties include Paul Red, Wealthy, McIntosh, Cortland, Spartan, Red Delicious, Connell Red, and Golden Delicious.

PYO apples are sold by the pound and include McIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious and to a lesser extent, Wealthy and Connell Red. Apples should be picked with a slight twisting motion, rather than pulled off the tree.

You can usually PYO apples until about mid-October, but pre-picked apples are available throughout our fall season. Most apple varieties have a shelf life of several months in our coolers (or your refrigerator.) They will lose their crispness in a few weeks, but will remain suitable for processing (pies, sauce, baking, freezing, dehydrating, etc.) Our multiple purpose apple varieties can be used in many ways as well as just eating fresh.

 

Apple Cider

Due to E-coli bacteria concerns, we have our apple cider U.V. (ultra violet light) treated. Unlike pasteurization, this a non-heat process that kills harmful bacteria, but does not affect the flavor.

We have a limited quantity of pears that we sell by the pound (pre-picked.) We also grow some tart (pie) cherries that ripen before our fall season begins, and are sold almost exclusively at the Dane County Farmer's Market.

  PEARS

 

    PLUMS