Apples :: Regent

Late Season • Sweet

Regent apples at market.

Ripens
Early to Mid-October

Characteristics

Well-balanced sweet flavor, honeyed, with plenty of acidity. Crisp, with a pleasing texture and flavor. Uses: fresh eating and cooking; holds it's shape when cooked.

History

Introduced in 1964, by the University of Minnesota. 

Parentage: Red Duchess x Red Delicious.

Storage

Keeps 3-5 months in storage. 

Notes

This is a favorite fall apple! It is sure to please your palate.

A bag of Regent apples.

Worth Reading: "Ugly fruit may pack more nutrition"

Worth repeating. From the article "Ugly fruit may pack more nutrition" - those blemishes on your apples may provide more antioxidants and sugars.

“In an unofficial experiment, Greenman tested scabbed and unscabbed Parma apples...scarred apples had a 2 to 5 percent higher sugar content than unmarred apples from the same tree. More sugar means a higher alcohol content once fermented, producing a tastier hard cider.

But she loves these ugly apples for another reason: They may be more nutritious and have a higher antioxidant content.”

----> When we demand perfect looking, uniform, shippable and shelf-stable foods oftentimes this comes at the cost of less nutritious produce and more food waste. Also, the loss of genetic diversity. Real food has variation, imperfections...and sometimes it's ugly.

“We already suspect this is the case with organic fruits and vegetables. A 2014 review of 343 studies found that organic produce had lower pesticide residue and a 20 to 40 percent higher antioxidant content than conventional produce. Those antioxidants include compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins and carotenoids, all produced by plants as defense mechanisms when they are stressed by pests.”

----> When it comes to organic apples you know you're getting a more nutritious product, because conventional apples are one of the most highly sprayed and contaminated foods, ranked high on the Dirty Dozen list.

“One study showed that an apple covered in scab has more healthy, antioxidant phenolic compounds, called phenylpropanoids, than a scab-free apple peel. Another study showed that apple leaves infected with scab have 10 to 20 percent more phenolic compounds.”

FULL ARTICLE: Ugly fruit may pack more nutrition MPR, April 27, 2016

Apples :: Haralson

Late Season • Tart • Heirloom

Haralson apples.

Ripens

Late September to Early October.

Characteristics

A complex tart flavor and firm texture. This distinctive apple is crisp and juicy, with characteristics that make it great for fresh eating, cooking, cider and storage. It is said to make a great-tasting and perfect-textured pie. 

History

Developed by the University of Minnesota, 1922 - a Minnesota heirloom.

Offspring: Honeygold.

Parentage: Malinda x Wealthy.

Storage

Keeps 4-5 months in storage, while retaining good flavor.

Notes

For years Haralson was the number one apple in Minnesota. The variety tends towards biennial bearing (altering between high and low yielding years).

Apples :: Pristine

Pristine apple.

Early • Tart

Ripens

Late July

Characteristics

Wonderfully tart, crisp, juicy and firm, with flavor and sweetness under the tartness. Medium-sized lemony-yellow hued skin with a pink blush, and white to cream flesh. Great flavor, and keeping, for an early apple.

History

Introduced in 1994.

Parentage: Co Op 10 x Camuzat.

Storage

1-2 weeks.

Notes

Has a biennial tendency. 2018 was or first crop and we are delighted with the flavor and crispness for such an early apple! We are excited to add this to our long list of apple varieties.

A Dozen Wonderful Ways to Use Your Apple Butter

Alternative Roots Farm apple butter is made with love, local and organic ingredients. We use only our organic apples, organic spices and it is now made with local honey from Moody Bees Farm. But what should you do with it besides putting it on toast?!

1. Top your oatmeal or pancakes! This is a great way to add some clean-eating sweetness to your breakfast routine.

2. Add it into baked goods. This is a great way to add some subtle apple pie flavor and make a great moist, delicious baked good. Think muffins, pancakes, bread and more!

3. Freeze into ice cubes. Toss the frozen ice cubes into your smoothie for a delicious apple pie flavor! Try it with bananas, almond milk and vanilla protein powder. This is also a great tip for using up apple butter that you aren't going to use up.

4. Spread on sweet potatoes. Dip sweet potato fries! Again, a great clean-eating option.

5. Yogurt topping. Drop a blob of apple butter in your yogurt, maybe add a squirt of Moody Bees Honey and enjoy a bowl of delicious yogurt of breakfast, a snack or healthy dessert! You can always add another dash of cinnamon or cardamom to add flavor and health benefits.

6. Muffin spread. Choose apple butter, instead of regular butter, for your next muffin indulgence. In summer it’s a great way to add flavor to those zucchini muffins. ;)

7. Add to your pork! Drop a dollop on your pork chop or loin.

8. PB & AB. Make a simple sandwich with apple and peanut butter - a double-butter sandwich. I think the kids will like this one!

9. Cottage cheese swirl. Drop a dollop in and swirl it into your cottage cheese.

10. Just eat it. Grab a spoonful of apple butter and enjoy the apple pie flavor. No guilt, just pure joy.

11. Add to roasted nuts. Drizzle over nuts that have been warmed in the oven and enjoy.

12. Top that ice cream! Add some natural goodness to your bowl of ice cream. Feel free to warm it up.

BBQ Bonus tip from a customer! Put a jar of apple butter, a jar of BBQ sauce and an ARF pork roast in the slow cooker, HEAVEN!!!

Made with Organic apples, local honey and organic spices. Apple butter is a clean eating treat!

Apples :: Fameuse

Fameuse

Late Season • Sweet-tart

Ripens

Late September

Characteristics

Flesh is tender, juicy, distinctive in flavor, with a slight perfume. AKA Snow or Snow Fameuse, for it's snow-white flesh. Uses: fresh eating, sauce and cider.

History

One of the oldest North American varieties. Its likely origin is French Canada sometime before 1700.  By the 1700’s it was widespread in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, and it may have made its way to Maine via that route.  Old trees can still be found in Maine dooryards and orchards. 

Offspring: Suspected parent of McIntosh.

Storage: 1-2 months; best texture when fresh.

Notes: Biennial tendency.

A Few Apple Recipes!

 

If you're not eating all your apples fresh here are a few easy recipes to enjoy this seasons most delicious bounty!

Apple Fritters - So delicious! Makes a great breakfast or snack. Freeze extras!

Simple Baked Apples - enjoy as is, or toss into oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, ice cream. Make a batch for the week!

Sauteed Apples - slice apples and saute in butter or coconut oil until tender. Sprinkling each side with cinnamon. Enjoy as is, or toss into oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, ice cream. 

Big Apple Crumb Cake - This looks to die for!

Possibilities are endless! Send me your favs. ;)

Fall Apple Share Sign Up!

Fall Apple Shares   Sign up open for 2020!

$54.00 :: 24 lbs/4 lb Bag x 6 weeks 

Beginning the first week of September with pick up at the farm, or Saturday Mankato Farmers Market.

Each week enjoy a 4 lb bag with 1-2 varieties of our organic apples. A mix of standard, lesser known and sometimes old heritage apples. We send out a short newsletter each week, as a reminder of your share. Enjoy some apple nerdery and a recipe or two, along with the latest news from the orchard.

Pick up at the farm store Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays, or Saturdays at the Mankato Farmers Market, beginning the first week in September.

Sign Up Here!

Please contact us at info@alternativerootsfarm.com or via Facebook with any questions.

Covid-19 Note: Farmers' markets, and food access like our farm store, are considered essential services. We hope by September we wont be dealing with the same restrictions we are now, but if we are, or changes need to be made, we are committed to finding solutions to getting you your Apple Share!!

Cider Pre-Order by Jan. 10!

**Cider Pressing**
Pre-order cider for pick up next week, during store hours, or by appointment. $7/half gallon - use within 2-3 weeks, or freeze for long-term keeping. Pre-order by Friday, January 10.

Pick up during store hours - W/Th 4-7, F/Sat 9-12 - or by appointment. A limited amount will be available for sale at the store as well.

Straight, fresh, clean raw cider - no preservatives. Drink fresh, make popsicles for the littles, make your own hard cider, mix an adult beverage and more. Keeps long-term in the freezer.

Pre-orders help us know how much to press! We will be pressing next weekend, so please order by Friday - comment below, message, text Brooke at 507-412-7605, or email info@alternativerootsfarm.com

This will be one of our final, or maybe our final pressing, not sure! 

Order Your Holiday Apples!

For baking crisps and pies, baked oatmeal and baked apples, simply healthy snack for loved ones, family and guests over the holidays. Local apples are perfect to round out your holiday (and everyday) cooking.

Order table apples, or baking apples, for pick up at our on-farm store, or delivery by arrangement/availability. Please holler with any questions at all - info@alternativerootsfarm.com or text/call 507-412-7605. November dates are listed, Dec. dates will be added later on.

 ORDER HERE


••Table Apples (1st quality fresh eating apples)
••Baking Apples (2nd quality apples for processing, cooking (and fresh eating with some trimming))

Varieties in stock for holiday apple orders - Sweet Sixteen, McIntosh, Honeygold, Regent, Cortland, Haralson, Mystery 2, Connell Red/Fireside. Varieties are subject to availability.

Orders will be a mix, unless you have special requests, see order form.

••Table Apple Options
3lb bags $6.50 available in the farm store, no need to preorder
10lbs $20
20 lbs $38

••Baking Apple Options
10 lbs $10
20 lbs $17
Bushel (40 lbs) $37.50


ORDER HERE

Alternative Roots Farm Store & Hours

11197 130th St, Madelia
Many other items available for purchase at the farm store - garlic, acorn & butternut squash, eggs, raw apple cider, beets, microgreens, pea shoots, salad greens, applesauce, apple butter, dried apple rings.
Wednesdays 4:00-7:00
Thursdays 4:00-7:00
Fridays 9:00-12:00
Or by appt.


HOLLER WITH QUESTIONS! Thank you so very much!!

Apple Sale!

All 3 lb bags of apples are now only $6.50 (reg. $7.50)!!!
Sweet Sixteen and McIntosh on sale for $5, while supplies last.

Where to Purchase

ARF Farm Store: Wed. & Th. 4:00-7:00, Fri. 9:00-12:00

ORDER your holiday apples--10 & 20 lb bags, baking apples.

Now in stock:

Sweet Sixteen *get it before it's gone!
Haralson
Cortland
McIntosh
Regent
Connell Red  *get it before it's gone!
Fireside *get it before it's gone!
Mystery
Honeygold  *get it before it's gone!

Apple Season Update 9/17

Now Available: 
Zestar!, Paula Red, Honeycrisp, Honeygold, Haralson, Cortland, Sweet Sixteen, McIntosh and Mystery apples. 

Apples are available at our Farm Store, at the Saturday Mankato Farmers Market and by contacting us directly and at the New Ulm Community Market.

Contact us at info@alternativerootsfarm.com - Sign up for our newsletter for updates!

Apples :: Honeygold

Late Season • Sweet

Ripens

Late September-Early October

Characteristics

A high quality apple that is crisp, juicy and sweet with a honey-like flavor. The apple is golden to yellow-green, with a reddish-bronze blush. Honeygold is great for fresh eating and cooking - it makes a no-sugar apple pie. Exceptional storage qualities.

History

Developed by the University of Minnesota as a Northern alternative to Golden Delicious. Introduced in 1970.

Parentage: Golden Delicious x Haralson.

Storage

Keeps 3-4 months, exceptional storage qualities.

Notes
Bruises very easily. A very winter hardy variety, said to be hardy to -50°.

Fresh Raw Cider Available!

NEW this season - fresh pressed, raw apple cider! Made with our organically grown apples. 

If you have never had fresh cider you will be amazed at the flavor and refreshing quality. (Processed apple juice is much different.) Crisp and clean tasting, it is a fall treat!

Available in half gallons for $7.00 - only at the Farm Store. More store info.

We press every 2-3 weeks and will post on facebook if we are out/back in stock, or contact us directly - info@alternativerootsfarm.com or text Brooke at 507-412-7605.

Now Picking Paula Red Apples!

Early Season • Sweet-tart

Ripens

Mid-late August

Characteristics

Paula Red apples are an attractive fruit with dusty red colored skin covered in gold spots and aromatic flesh. They have crisp white flesh that is juicy. The flavor is both sweet and tart, with a hint of cherry.  If you like McIntosh or Cortland give Paula Red a try. Uses: fresh eating, cooking, great for applesauce; mix in pies with another firmer apple.

History

Lewis Arrends discovered a Paula Red tree as a chance seedling in 1960 in Sparta, Michigan. He named the new variety after his wife Pauline. Paula Reds appeared on the market in 1968.

Offspring: .

Parentage: This variety is thought to have originated from mcIntosh, but its exact parentage is unknown.

Storage

2 months

Coming Soon!

Farm Share Options Coming Soon!

We offer different share options that provide you with a discount on a little larger purchase of various items. Perfect for enjoying the best of each season and stocking the pantry or freezer!

Fall Apple Share Sign Up

Opening shortly! Beginning in September enjoy 6 weeks of seasonal organic/transitional organic apples. Pick up at the Saturday Mankato farmers market or on farm (12 miles South of New Ulm, 8 miles North of Madelia). More info: 2019 Shares.

$54.00 :: 24 lbs/4 lb Bag x 6 weeks

Tomato Shares

10 or 20 lbs boxes of organic, heirloom tomatoes for canning. For purchase during the season as available - join the wait list to be notified.

$28  ||  10 lbs  30% discount
$52  ||  20 lbs  35% discount

Pesto Shares

Includes 2 lbs of fresh, organic basil and 4 heads of organic garlic. Delivered as available in August/September. Eat it fresh and stock up your freezer.Add into scrambled eggs, pastas, spread on sandwiches or garlic bread or pizza. Delish! For purchase during the season as available - join the wait list to be notified.

$23.00  ||  2 lbs basil & 4 bulbs of garlic

Fall CSA Shares

Fall CSA Shares will be offered once in September, twice in October. Sign up for one, or all three, dates - coming soon. An on-farm market will also be available during Fall CSA pick up.

Full details coming soon!

Now Available!

Applesauce Shares  -  Apple Butter Shares

Applesauce Shares - A case of 12 quarts for $65. A popular option for the kiddos!

Apple Butter Shares - A six pack of butter to stock your pantry, $26.

Clean eating treats made with no extra sugar - just local honey!

2019 Dirty Dozen//Clean Fifteen

It's time to print off a new Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen card for your wallet! This fantastic, quick and easy, guide offers a great reference where best to spend your organic grocery dollars, if you aren't able to go all in on organics (like most families on a budget).

Click over and Get the Guide

The Dirty Dozen is a list of the most highly contaminated fruits and veggies - buying these items organic is a higher priority, if you are working to keep your diet clean.

We are proud to bring you organic apples, as they are always a high-ranking item on the Dirty Dozen list. This year apples rank #5, alongside a couple other A.R.F. specialties kale (#3) and tomatoes (#10).

Apples

"Apples are generally near the top of EWG’s Dirty Dozen™ list because they contain an average of 4.4 pesticide residues, including some at high concentrations..."

"...most conventionally grown apples are drenched in diphenylamine, an antioxidant chemical treatment used to prevent the skin of apples in cold storage from developing brown or black patches..."

"The European officials' concerns center on the possible formation of nitrosamines on diphenylamine-treated fruit. Nitrosamines cause cancer in laboratory animals, and some studies have found that people who eat foods with nitrosamines have elevated rates of stomach and esophageal cancers."

Kale

"More Than Half of Kale Samples Tainted by Possibly Cancer-Causing Pesticide"

"Conventional kale farming relies heavily on the use of several synthetic pesticides, including Dacthal. The EPA’s 1995 classification of it as a possible carcinogen noted increases in liver and thyroid tumors. Dacthal can also cause other kinds of harm to the lungs, liver, kidney and thyroid."

Go Organic

We are proud to bring you clean-eating, local organic produce. We believe it is the best thing for a healthy lifestyle and a healthy environment. Reseach supports this.

"A French study published in December in JAMA Internal Medicine, a journal from the American Medical Association, found that among nearly 69,000 participants, those with the highest frequency of organic food consumption had 25 percent fewer cancers than individuals who did not eat organic food."

"...the most recent of several studies evaluating the impact of an organic diet found that after only six days of eating organic food, adults and children had on average a 60 percent reduction in the levels of synthetic pesticides measured in their urine..."

Read the full report

2019 Grafting Classes

We are hosting two fruit tree grafting classes this March - join us in Mankato or the cities!

Falcon Heights - Saturday, March 16th - at The Good Acre
        Join the facebook event

**Snow Day Reschedule Date**  Mankato - Saturday, March 23th - at Wooden Spoon
         Join the facebook event

Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $50 / participant

Online Registration

You Bring:
•Large trash bag, & pot/bucket to take your grafts home in.
•Lunch or snack for yourself.

Class:
•Two hour classroom portion and two hours for grafting. Hands on learning.

Registration & Payment:
$50 registration must be paid in advance. To reserve your spot register online, email info@alternativerootsfarm.com, or call/text 507-412-7605. Mail payment to Alternative Roots Farm, 11197 130th St., Madelia, MN 56062.

•••Learn how to graft your own Fruit trees!•••
In this class we will teach you how to propagate your own apple trees. We will discuss the time-tested techniques of fruit tree grafting including grafting tools, timing, proper scions and rootstocks. Attendees will practice what they learn by “Whip & Tongue” grafting different varieties of apple trees using modern day rootstocks.

Each participant will take home 3 newly grafted apple trees to be planted on your own property. Additional rootstocks available for purchase at class. All materials and tools will be provided for the workshop. Optional: Bring scions of your favorite old apple tree if you would like to graft these at the class. (Call John, 507-439-6541, for tips how to properly collect scions.)

 Online Registration

Apples :: Prairie Spy & Connell Red

Let me introduce you to two of our late season apples...Prairie Spy and Connell Red.

You may see one, or both, of these in Winter Apple Shares, if you pick one of those up. I have heard from several people that Connell Red has become their new favorite. Both will be at the farmers market as well!

Prairie Spy and Connell Red apples - late season varieties.

Prairie Spy

A sweet apple with excellent flavor, which only improves in storage. Crisp.  Good sized, firm and dense apples. Great for fresh eating, cooking and storage. An attractive fruit that is cherry red over green-yellow. Introduced in 1940, by the University of Minnesota. Extra long keeping winter storage apple. Keeps 3- 5 months in storage. Stores very well until mid-January, then waning in quality into March.

Connell Red

Very large fruit with a sweet flavor with a hint of pear. Fine-grained flesh is good for fresh eating, salad, and baked apples. The tree is vigorous and weeping. Introduced in 1943, by the University of Minnesota.

How to Get ARF Apples

You can contact us directly, at any time, to get ahold of some apples. Text Brooke 507-412-7605, email info@alternativerootsfarm.com, or find us on facebook.

We attend the winter farmers markets in Mankato, with the next date being this Saturday, December 15th, from 10:00-12:00 at Drummers Garden Center. The first January date is the 12th.

Grab a Winter Apple Share - last dates for 2018 are Dec. 15 (Mankato) and Dec. 17 (on farm). Sign up by Dec. 12.

Winter Apple Shares Now Available!

A New Apple Offering from Alternative Roots Farm

Sign up for one or more of our Winter Apple Shares - whether you are snacking, baking, or stocking the pantry this is a great, tasty deal!

Grab 10 or 20 lbs per share delivery - create your own program. Choose from four different pick up options throughout late October and November; a December date may be added later on.

10lb Share: $22  •  20lb Share: $40 • Larger quantities may be purchased at $2/lb.

Winter Apple Share Order Form

Monday, October 29 - 5:00-7:00 pick up at the farm

Wednesday, November 7 - 4:00-7:00 pick up at the farm (during Fall CSA/Market at the Farm)

Saturday, November 10 - 10:00-12:00 pick up at Mankato Winter Farmers Market (Drummers)

Monday, November 26 - 5:00-7:00 pick up at the farm

A December date may be added later on. 

*Oct. 29 & Nov. 26 Mankato drop offs may be added if enough people sign up from the area.

How to Sign Up

Use the Order Form, or...

Contact us to let us know your:

   •preferred pick up date(s)

   •size of share for your pick up date(s)

Contact via:

   •Email: info@alternativerootsfarm.com

   •Text: Brooke 507-412-7605

   •Facebook messenger

Payment may be sent to Alternative Roots Farm 11197 130th St., Madelia, MN 56062