FAQs

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Are dogs allowed?

No, due to food safety regulations dogs are not allowed in the orchard except for certified service animals. 

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Do you charge admission?

No, we do not charge admission. Instead we weigh your apples when you are finished picking and you pay by the pound. You can use your own bags, or we have them available also.

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes! We accept cash, check or credit cards.

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It's raining, can I still pick apples?

Yes! Picking is available rain or shine. If the orchard is very wet though, you may have to park by the store and walk into the orchard.

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I don't have much time, do I have to pick my own?

You're in luck; we have a variety of pre-picked apples in our store. Our store is open 7 days a week during the season. If you're interested in large quantities, please call ahead.

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Can my church / work / youth group come to pick?

Yes, but please contact us in advance with your approx. group size so we can make sure we have enough staff on hand for your visit. 

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Are Honeycrisp available for pick your own?

No. Honeycrisp are a very delicate apple that needs great care throughout the season to ensure that they reach their peak flavor. We recommend purchasing a bag of Honeycrisp from our store after you have done your other apple picking. 

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Do you spray your apples?

We realize that insects are a natural part of the environment and therefore we limit our spraying to only when it is absolutely necessary. We achieve this through a system of Integrated Pest Management where temperature and humidity are measured in order to predict when an insect may be harmful to the apples. This allows us to watch for actual evidence of pest damage and to spray only for the specific pest that is causing harm to the apples and trees.

 

 

What happens to apples left on trees at the end of the season?

Another great question with many answers! Keep in mind, there's a good chance that the apples you see from a distance are actually quite small and not very ideal up close.  The price of those apples would not be able to cover the cost and labor it would take to pick them all. But don't assume that they're simply going to waste, because they end up becoming wonderful organic fertilizer for the trees.  

Can't you give them to a food pantry? Actually we do! We donate apples to many of the area's pantries and shelters and since the amount of need in the community is so phenomenal, please consider doing what you can to help out also.

 

 

What is the best way to store apples?

For short-term storage, apples will keep on your kitchen counter for a couple of days or in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for about 3 weeks. Some of the hardier apple varieties can be kept in long-term storage for several months.

 

For best storage results, apples need to be kept in a cool, dark area where they won't freeze, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. A humid environment around 30-35°F is the best. But don't allow them to freeze, as that will ruin apples immediately.

 

Only put undamaged apples into long-term storage. An apple with even small bruises will spoil faster and will cause surrounding apples to do the same. Also check stored apples regularly for signs of spoilage, and remove any damaged fruit. Make sure to store apples away from potatoes, as they too will make apples spoil faster. 

 

When storing apples for the winter, it may also help to prevent contact between apples by wrapping them individually in newspaper. The easiest way to do this is unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then wrap an apple in each section. Avoid sections printed with colored ink though, as those sections may contain poisonous heavy metals.

 

 

How can I tell if apples have gone bad?

Apples that are stored properly can last weeks or even months after they have been picked. But like all fresh fruits, they do not last forever. Since food safety is always important, be sure to examine your apples before eating them. Small surface blemishes or bruises are generally not harmful and can simply be cut away. But if you find that the apple has wrinkled skin or mushy and grainy spots throughout, then the apple should be discarded.