Pine Tree Orchard takes growing apples very seriously. John Jacobson our apple production manager, has traveled all over North America , for the most current techniques and husbandry practices. We are committed to growing high quality fruit in an environmentally sustainable method.

Our harvest season begins in early August. We will have all the apples picked by the end of October. But that's not the end of the season. We continue to sell apples into February. We rush the fresh picked fruit into our huge refrigerators , 33-40 degrees with approximately 90 percent humidity. There they will "sleep" until we need them for sale, for the bakery, or to be squeezed into cider. Below is a list of our main varieties.

VARIETIES AT PINE TREE ORCHARDS

CRAB APPLES

APPLE STORAGE IMPORTANT
FOR GOODNESS SAKE REFRIGERATE

Apples respire oxygen just like we do when we breathe. To keep your apples their freshest, you need to refrigerate to slow the breathing of the apples down, kind of like putting them to sleep. The poly bag you brought your apples home in is great.

The ventilation holes allow air in while keeping other food odors away from the apples. Next, put a damp paper towel in the bag to keep the humidity level high. Apples love humidity, it keeps them from drying out.

Figure on keeping your apples at 33 to 38 degrees with humanity ranging between 80 and 90 percent.

APPLE MATH

Over the years we've collected a great deal of practical information about the apple which may prove helpful to you when you begin to use the apples you've purchased at Pine Tree Orchard.

Estimated Quantities:

Three medium sized apples equals one pound.
One pound peeled and sliced apples equals two and 3/4 cups.
One peck of apples equals 10-12 pounds or 40-45 medium sized apples.
One bushel of apples can weigh from 42 to 48 pounds.
One bushel of apples will make 15-20 quarts of applesauce.
Half a peck yields five pints of applesauce.
Two pounds equals three cups of sauce.
Each apple variety varies in weight.

Pies:

Six to eight medium sized apples make one nine inch pie.
Half a peck makes two pies with a few extra apples left over.

Jelly:

Half a peck of apples with one package of Sure Jell yields about eight cups of jelly.

RACE YOU TO THE STRAWBERRY PATCH

When strawberry season arrives at Jacobson's patch, you know it's time to partake of the most luscious strawberries ever grown. You can have these sweet, red gems picked for you or you can pick your own. Either way they are the best.

If you decide to go to into the sprawling fields and find your own berries, you'll enjoy the experience. Pine Tree's sturdy strawberry plants are grown on gentle slopes giving you easy access. This is hand selecting at its finest. Picking boxes are provided for you at no charge. The season is usually from mid-June to early July . It is very important to call ahead to find out the picking conditions and picking schedule. Call THE BERRY LINE, 651-429-8026, for the latest information and directions. Our pick your own fields are located a mile and a half north of the main orchard, be sure to call the berry line for exact directions or see What's Happening at Pine Tree.

If you're not inclined to berry patch aerobics, you can still enjoy the greatest strawberries. Pine Tree's crew will pick them fresh for you. Call ahead, 651- 429-7202, for berry availability and pick up times. Pre-picked strawberries are sold at our main orchard location.

Strawberry Bakery

When the strawberries are ready our strawberry bakery is ready, too, with such delicacies as fresh Strawberry Pie, Strawberry-Rhubarb Roll-Overs, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and, of course, those Strawberry Muffins that are to die for. Our bakery will be open every day during the strawberry season. Please call ahead to reserve your Strawberry pie, 651- 429-7202 at the main orchard.

Strawberry Arithmetic

One pound strawberries equals about 3 and 3/4 cups of whole berries.

One pound strawberries equals about 3 cups of sliced berries.

One pound strawberries equals about 1 and 3/4 cups of mashed berries.

One pound strawberries equals about 2 cups pureed berries.

It is difficult to give specific measurements for berries because the sizes determine how many fit into a pint or a cup. A cup of large berries will contain fewer berries than a cup of smaller berries.

REMEMBER TO CALL OUR P-Y-O BERRY LINE FOR PICKING SCHEDULE 651- 429-8026

PRE-PICKED BERRY INFORMATION 651- 429-7202

PUMPKINS GALORE AND THE CORNFIELD MAZE

For kids and grown-ups alike Halloween begins with a trip to Pine Tree Orchard's giant Pumpkin Patch. Just take the short walk to the patch and you'll find thousands of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from. It's easy to find the right one just for you.