What a difference a year makes! Last summer we were experiencing temperatures in the 100’s and arid conditions but this season things are very different. Cooler temperatures and more rainfall has created some summer disease issues on the fruit. Over all however, these diseases have been controlled. The fruit is past cell division and experiencing tremendous cell growth. Barring any unfavorable weather such as hail and wind, the fruit crop looks promising for us.
The Gingergold apple is the first variety that we will make available to the markets. It is slightly tart, rather juicy and a great apple to eat out of hand or use in sauce, pies and crisps. It is unique in its characteristics. Gingergold was developed in the late 1970’s and has become a popular addition to the varieties that our orchard has to offer to our customers. It is green with a hint of yellow when first picked but changes to a golden yellow as it ripens. We expect to have the Gingergold apple available to our customers no later than the first week of August. Following the Gingergold, the Gala will be ripening and available. No need to expound on the Gala. It is very popular and very versatile. This apple sells itself and if you had no other varieties to offer, the Gala would be great on its own.
We will be opening our season with visits to the following Farmers’ Markets in Indiana, Greensburg on Friday afternoon, North Vernon and Batesville on Saturday mornings and Brookville on Wednesday. Other market sites, such as Columbus, are at this time being considered. As always, product can also be purchased at the home market.
The peaches are LOOKING GOOD! Market availability will coincide with the Gingergold apples. We have the Sunshine peach ripening first with the Hale Haven to follow.