Its time to start picking one of the more popular apples....Zestar.  An excellent apple.  These are usually bigger than your average apple.  They are crunchy and sweet and one of my favorite ones too.  We will also be picking Chestnut Crab and the last of the State Fair and also the last of the Hazen.  I've said it before, the Chestnut Crab is like a little Honey Crisp.  Try one and you'll see what I'm talking about.  As the weather begins to cool down, we will get a steady supply of different varieties for you to try.  McIntosh, Sweet Sixteen and Honey Crisp are a few weeks out and it looks like we will have plenty of all of them for you to try.
  This weekend we will also have Fresh apple cider and honey.  Its the last weekend before school starts and it looks like the weather is going to cooperate, so come on out and try your new favorite apple!  Lexi will be waiting to greet you!

Its State Fair time again and our first up , as it is every year, is State Fair.  A very good apple for just about anything.  We will also have Chestnut Crab and we might start picking Zestar this weekend.  I tried one last night and I think it needs a few more days, so maybe by this weekend, it will be ready.  The Chestnut Crab is what I like to call a mini Honey Crisp.  Try one and you'll see what I mean.  Also, for those of you who have been waiting.....the honey is now extracted and waiting for you!  We have alot of people asking about it and its here.  The bees were very generous this year again and the taste is excellent.  We ran out last year early, so if you want some, dont wait too long.
  In the next few weeks we will be picking Zestar, Prairie Magic, Hazen and Chestnut Crab.  Sweet Sixteen and Honey Crisp are about 3 weeks or so out yet.  And of course, we will have cider too!  See you this weekend!

The time has come and the apples are ready!  The orchard will be open for the season starting next Saturday, August 18th at 10am.  We will be open Saturdays from 10-5 and Sundays from noon-5.  In case of rain or other nasty weather, please call or check the website.  First up this season, as always is one of my personal favorites, State Fair.  This apple is crunchy and tart at the same time.  Its great for eating or baking.  Its one of the better apples for making applesauce.  You can pick this variety if you like.  Some varieties we will let you pick and others are pre-picked.  After State Fair, the next apples in line will be Zestar and a new variety, Prairie Magic.
  Growing apples this far north is always a challenge and this summer was no different.  If you will remember, spring was almost a month late  and the apple bloom was late as well.  Some of the early varieties may not be as big as usual and some will.  There is only so much time for them to grow.  Time will tell how the later varieties will do.  We will have honey in 2 weeks.  Thats next on the list of things to do.  Heres hoping we have a good fall.  See you all next weekend!