Apple-ly Delicious
Apple-ly Delicious
Apples have a long history, originating in Central Asia, making their way to America and specifically New Jersey with the early settlers. Apples were primarily used in our region for apple cider and hard apple cider (also known as Apple Jack) as growing apples was more conducive to the climate of the early settlers than… Read More »
Apples have a long history, originating in Central Asia, making their way to America and specifically New Jersey with the early settlers. Apples were primarily used in our region for apple cider and hard apple cider (also known as Apple Jack) as growing apples was more conducive to the climate of the early settlers than growing wheat, barley or hops at the time. Apple production was one of the earliest agricultural crops in the ancestral roots of our region and is still an important crop to us today.
Apples are in season here in Chester, NJ. from August through the end of November, if weather conditions are just right. We farm over 60 acres of apples growing over 50 different kinds of apples using the apples for our own apple cider, apples for sale in our markets & farm stands and CSA as well as for our farm to table catering on our farm.
We work all year long producing the best tasting apples. Pruning begins in the
dormant months for the tree which are during Winter and very early Spring in this region. We prune by hand using pneumatic tools to remove dead wood and unproductive limbs in order to spark new growth for the next season. We chip the trimmed limbs in the orchard which provides composted material to the tree base improving the soil structure.
By Springtime, all pruning should be completed and the warming temperatures and rain will help produce blossoms. We invite guests to our farm to witness this spectacular time of year. Apple blossoms are white and pink and our fields are dotted with these beautiful colors for a few weeks until the blossoms drop from the trees. The blossoms cascading as they drop appear to “rain from the trees” and provides for fun photo opportunities for our guests visiting the farm.
After blossom time in April, the fruit is beginning to grow in May and June and a fruit tree phenomenon takes place called the June Drop. The June Drop is nature’s way of thinning the fruit to provide ample room to grow and to eliminate weaker fruit allowing plant energy to be directed towards larger, healthier fruit. Want to learn more about the June Drop on our farm? Watch this video provided by our Farm Steward Sam.
We have early season apple varieties such as Paula Red, Pristine, Mollie’s Delicious & Jonamac. These apples are best eaten raw or soon after picking and don’t store well. Mid-season varieties include Macoun, Empire, and Fuji and will store well in an average fridge for at least a few weeks. Late season varieties such as Granny Smith & Pink Lady will store for longer periods of time especially in proper cold storage. Have some apples that you want to bake into something absolutely delicious? Try making this seasonal apple strudel by Miss Jenn, our culinary & education specialist. Find the recipe here.
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours!
