What's in the Farm Store?

It is September 29th, but this list is fairly consistent - until the microgreens and pea shoots start showing up!!

Farm Store Hours & Deets

The farm store is open year round Tuesday - Friday 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm, or by appointment.
It's an old-fashioned farm store, self-service. If you don't happen to run into John or I (Brooke), I am generally available by text for questions!
Exact change cash, check or venmo are our only forms of payments.

What's in store?

Canned Goods

Applesauce - $8 per quart - no added sugar, organic apples and lemon juice
Apple Butter - $6 half pint - no added sugar, just a touch of local honey & organic spices
Jams & Jellies - coming back soon, always a rotation of rhubarb jams, elderberry jelly and more.

Zesty Poblano Salsa - $8 pint - zesty, flavorful, but you won't hurt yourself. Seasonal.

Pizza Sauce - $7 half pint - Seasonal.

Apple Products

*We are having a bad apple year, so first are limited and going first to our Apple Shares CSA.
Baking Apples - $5 / 5lb bags - seconds/blemished for processing.
Fresh Cider - $7 / half gallon - great fresh, freezes well! Pressed 9/26.
       *Cider is pressed and in stock until sold out. So, it's not always on the shelf.

Herbal Wellness Items

Digestive Bitters NEW - herbal tincture blend that stimulates digestion, helps sluggish digestion, balance blood sugar and so much more. $15/1oz & $25/2oz What are Digestive Bitters?

Herbal Sore Throat Spray - use for sore and dry throats, as well as when you get that little tickle in the back of your throat

Herbal Tinctures - Willow Bark, Stinging Nettles, Holy Basil, Astragalus, Ashwaganda, Elderberry. What is an Herbal Tincture?

Calendula Lotion Bar - solid lotion bar, lightly scented with lavender EO

Knitbone Salve - sprains, strains, broken bones, pain and soreness, tendonitis/artritis, external use only

Bruise Salve - prevent or treat bruises, good for small wounds also

Cottonwood Wound Relief Salve - all your cuts, burns, hangnails, general wounds, big and small, a natural neosporin + pain relief

Bug Bite Salve - rub as needed on bug bites for relief and healing; plantain is a drawing herb that helps pull out what shouldn't be there - also great for splinters.

Tick Away Spray - A blend of essential oils that help to repel and deter ticks; spray on pant legs, shoes, on your dog between the shoulder blades.

Herbal Bug Spray - catnip and yarrow tinctures, blended with vanilla and citronella EO

Elderberry Syrup Kits - No longer in stock.

Fresh Cider in Stock!

Cider is fresh pressed and in stock in the farm store. 100% Organic apples and nothing else.

Grab a fresh jug, or throw a jug in the freezer (take an extra inch off the top to allow for expansion).

Recipe :: Easy Apple Crisp!

A delish Crisp recipe with a vanilla sauce we love on our rhubarb crisp. 

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

For the apple filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the crisp topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices (about ¼ inch thick). Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Add granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch to the apples. Toss until all slices are evenly coated with the mixture. This coating helps create a caramel-like sauce when baked.

Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Press down gently to level the surface for even baking.

In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well. Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts if using — they add extra crunch and flavor.

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Don’t press it down too firmly — you want a light, crumbly texture.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. *Or the vanilla sauce we like on our Rhubarb Crisp below!

From Gordon Ramsey

German Vanilla Sauce (Vanillesoße) Makes about 2 1/2 cups of Vanillesoße.

• 1 3/4 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 vanilla bean, scraped OR 1 tablespoon quality pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large egg yolks

• 3 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch and salt.

In a medium saucepan bring the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent it from scorching. Whisk 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. Pour this egg mixture into the saucepan, constantly whisking it into the hot milk to prevent clumping. Heat the mixture over medium heat until thickened. Do not let it boil.

Strain the vanilla sauce through a fine mesh sieve. Serve immediately or let it cool and store covered in the fridge. Will keep for up to 3 days. Can be served cold or reheated to serve warm.

Good warm or cold! Not overly sweet, made to compliment already sweet desserts.

From Daring Gourmet

No Market 9/26

 Friends, due to weather we will not be attending market 9/26.

See you 10/3!

In the mean time the farm store is open! Watch for cider pressing updates!!

Important Apple Update

The update ya never really want to give, but it is what it is and there is nothing we can do but make the best of it.

It’s slim pickin’s this year, so priority always goes to our CSA Apple Share members.

Why? It’s a lower production year coming off a large bounty two years ago, and a pretty good crop last year, as well as several years of drier conditions. Highest pressure in some areas, sprinkle a little hail over here and there you go. Organic orcharding is not for the weak. 

We have good stuff going all year round, so there is no shortage of ways you can keep buying, and gifting local from us. Baking Apples (seconds) for processing, baking or budget eating remain available.

Thanks farm friends - we couldn’t do it without you! 

Recipe: Applesauce Oat Muffins

5 lbs bags of Baking Apples (seconds/blemished) are great for processing needs - applesauce, pie filling, etc. - and also a budget friendly option for baking, freezer treats, etc. I love sticking extra muffins in the freezer for grab and go snack and early farmers market mornings! Baking Apple bags are available in the farm store and at Saturday Mankato markets. 🍎

And a nice recipe for easy breakfast, school lunches or after school snack!

Healthy Applesauce Oat Muffins

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 30 min

1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup milk         

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 Tablespoons butter , melted (or coconut oil)

1/3 cup granulated sugar       

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins , craisins, or chocolate chips

Combine Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, butter and sugar. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cranberries or raisins. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the applesauce mixture. Stir just until combined (don't overmix!)

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don't over-bake or the muffins will be dry. Remove them to a cooling rack. Cool completely before freezing in a ziplock freezer bag.

https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/healthy-applesauce-oat-muffins/

Cider & Apple Update 9/8

 Cider is Fresh Pressed. Apples continue to come in slowly.

The farm store opens for the week today with fresh pressed cider! 100% Organic apples and nothing else.

Cider is on the shelf after each pressing, until it's sold out (or starts to ferment). Then there is usually a week or three gap until our schedule let's us press again!! This year we are working to keep it more available.

As we continue on apple picking, with each variety we are starting to see there just isn't as much harvest available as we thought before. It's turning out to be a more challenging apple year. SO, that means grab them if you see them. Bags of Baking Apples (second/blemished for processing, or a bargain bag for fresh eating) are more available this year also. 

The farm store is skinny right now, with the last of the KinderKrisp and a little early Haralson in stock.

Apple harvest first most importantly goes to our Apple Share CSA members. Hopefully I can keep bringing a small amount to market as well. Whatever you can do to support us during this season is very much appreciated!

We have heard this report on the apple season from growers around the region. It's just not a great apple year. There is high pest pressure, perhaps exacerbated by years of drought stress on trees. People have light to devastating affects from late spring frosts on blooms. In our orchard fire blight came in hot after that awful spring hail storm. Organic orcharding isn't for the week! 

Anywho! Watch for updates. Shop the farm store for cider and much more. Holler at me if you need anything! Cheers.

Brooke

Fresh Cider in Stock!!

 

Fresh Cider Has Landed!

I thought I didn't like 'apple juice' basically my whole life - til we pressed our own cider!

There is nothing like fresh cider, so preservatives, no pasteurization. Just delicious! Just pure apple goodness.

Just a reminder how "cider season" rolls here at the farm --> We press 4-5 times, depending on stock, etc. and that's it! It's available when it's on the shelf, in season, then it's gone. Grab it while it is here, freeze extras for later -- they freeze beautifully (maybe just take a little off the top for expansion. I usually put 3-5 in the freezer for recipes and popsicles.

Try the recipe below with our cider as well!

Organic Apples

Zestar! remains the star apple at this time and is fresh picked in the farm store and at market. Kindercrisp is coming in, but limited (Honeycrisp loves like these.) This week is a little lull before September apple bounty begins!

Farm Store Hours

Grab cider and apples at the farm Tuesday - Friday 9-7 and Saturday 9-2.

Make this!!!

Apples Baked in Cider

“If possible, use cider from a farm stand or farmer’s market—it has a deeper, more concentrated flavor than the grocery store brands, which wash out.” 

Serves 4

• 2 cups apple cider
• 4 firm cooking apples
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Pour the cider into a small skillet and bring it to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat until the liquid reduces by slightly less than half. It should be vaguely syrupy, but it will not be too thick. It will take less time in a skillet than in a saucepan because there is more surface evaporation. Either way, don’t just walk off to another room and leave it—you might set off your smoke alarm if you forget it. I speak from experience.

While the cider is reducing, peel the skin from the top third of each apple. Use a melon baller to dig out the apple core, leaving about 1/3-inch of the apple intact at the bottom. Place the apples in a pie pan or baking dish.

Stir the cinnamon, butter and brown sugar into the cider syrup. Pour it into the apple cavities, allowing it to overflow into the baking dish. Bake the apples for 40 to 50 minutes, until they are pleasantly soft but not collapsing. Baste the apples occasionally in the cider syrup if you happen to think of it, and add more cider if the liquid starts to dry out completely. The exact cooking time depends on the variety and size of the apples—some take longer than others.

Serve the apples warm in dessert bowls with the extra syrup spooned over them. If you want to dress them up, drizzle them with some heavy cream, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Custard sauce would be even better if you’re feeling ambitious. If any apples are leftover, warm them up for breakfast and eat with yogurt.    Source: Food52.com

“You can eat the sweet, mellowed apples bare -- a more virtuous cousin of the apple pie -- to restore you when you're feeling cold and low. Or you can dress them up with creme fraiche or ice cream, to celebrate the season.”

Enjoy!

Now Picking :: Zestar!

 

Early season fav Zestar! starts us off!!

Late July apple Pristine, cropped little this year and had pest damage, so Leo has eaten what was harvested there! Paula Red is another early season fav often spotted at the Market, but it is not cropping this year. Coming soon - John is watching the Chestnut Crab.

Did you know Zestar! was the big apple before Honeycrisp?!

Zestar! has a pleasing crisp texture, juicy, sweet-tart flavor with a hint of brown sugar. Excellent for fresh eating, storage and great for cooking too. Excellent storage qualities. Keeps 1-2 months.

Parentage: State Fair x MN 1691.

Offspring: SweeTango.

History: This apple was developed by horticulturalists at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Horticultural Research Center and was introduced in 1998. It was bred to survive in cold climates. 

Apple Shares close August 20th!!

Update 8/17 - Apple Shares are now closed.

Sign up now open for everyone!! Closing Aug. 20.

2026 will be our 15th season on the farm and 13th year of Apple Shares CSA! Email us to join the wait list. :) Email Brooke and John at info@alternativerootsfarm.com

Fall Apple Share Offerings for 2026

Each week enjoy a 4 lb bag of fresh & local apples.

Each bag sports 1-2 varieties of our organic apples. A mix of standard, lesser known and old heritage types. We'll send out a short weekly newsletter, with apple facts, orchard notes and a recipe. Begins the first week of September.

Three weekly pick up locations:

A.R.F. farm store (Th., Fri., or Sat.) - 6 or 8 weeks

New Ulm Pick Up, Turner Halle Lot (Th. at 5:00pm) - 6 or 8 weeks

Saturdays at the Mankato Farmers Market (8am-12pm) - 6 weeks

$60 :: 6 week Fall Apple Share

$78 :: 8 week Fall Apple Share *best price

*We are maintaining 2025 pricing for this season.

*4 lbs not enough? The option to sign up for 2 shares is available.

READ MORE & SIGN UP LINK   --> Fall Apple Shares

Egg Sale + Closed Hours

 

Egg Sale!

Everything is so darn expensive right now. I feel it, and I know others do to, as it's crept into regular conversation.

SO let's have an egg sale! Cause it's fun to find a good deal. :)

Eggs are $5 a dozen (regularly $7)      Thru Friday ONLY! July 28-31   (Not Aug. 1)

This is also the last week for blackberries!!

Chickens are free-range, fed Organic feed.

You can see them when you pop out to the farm store, in their new run John built last year. We are currently renovating this area from old winter pig pasture and working on establishing new permanent pastures for the flock.

Closed Next Week!

Regular hours are Tuesday-Friday 9:00am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 9-2:00. 

CLOSED-----August 4-7 for a little pre-apple season reset!

Regular farm store hours resume Saturday, August 8th.

Blackberries last week!!

This is the last week for blackberries!!! 

We are past the 10ish day peak of harvest. Picking every other day.

Closed August 4-8

For BEST updates on peak seasons make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our e-newsletter (roughly 2 a month, maybe 3 if I'm on top of things. :P ).

Thank you for shopping local!!

Raspberries are PEAKing! + Farm Store 7/7

 

July at Alternative Roots Farm

When I think of July on the farm I think raspberries. The beauty, flavor and abundance usually defines the month!! A solid 3-4 weeks of berries - shorter in drier years - with the middle portion of that time defining peak season. During peak it's the best time to buy more for freezing berries, or making jams (or freezing berries for making jams later). 

We freeze all the seconds for use all year. For us they mostly go into muffins, oatmeal and top bowls of yogurt. Then July raspberries move into blackberries! And apples!! The farm store cooler only begins to fill. Garden produce will begin to show up as well. 

What's in the Farm Store?

Let's take a peak at even more reasons to visit the farm! Aside from connecting with the land your food comes from... :)

Canned Goods:

-Applesauce
-Apple Butter
-Jam/Jelly - will return to stock soon!

Eggs - $7 per dozen - Organic fed free range hens.

Fresh Produce:
-Organic Raspberries $4/half pint
-Coming Soon: Organic Blackberries, Early Season Apples, Garden Produce
*All of our produce is Certified Organic!

Herbal Wellness & More:

Indispensable for summer adventuring --> Cottonwood Salve (all the cuts, scrapes, rashes & burns), Bug Bite Salve (soothe & heal), Herbal Bug Spray (kiddo safe, vanilla & citronella round out a spray for mosquitos & gnats), Calendula Lotion Bars (rehydrate skin parched or after pool skin).

-Tick Away Spray - A blend of essential oils that help to repel and deter ticks; spray on pant legs, shoes, on your dog between the shoulder blades.
-Herbal Bug Spray - catnip and yarrow tinctures, blended with vanilla and citronella EO
-Elderberry Syrup Kits - DIY kits with ginger and cinnamon
-Digestive Bitters NEW - herbal tincture blend that stimulates digestion, helps sluggish digestion, balance blood sugar and so much more.
-Herbal Sore Throat Spray - use for sore and dry throats, as well as when you get that little tickle in the back of your throat
-Herbal Tinctures - Willow Bark, Stinging Nettles, Holy Basil, Astragalus, Ashwaganda, Elderberry
-Calendula Lotion Bar - solid lotion bar, lightly scented with lavender EO
-Knitbone Salve - sprains, strains, broken bones, pain and soreness, tendonitis/artritis, external use only
-Bruise Salve - prevent or treat bruises, good for small wounds also
-Cottonwood Wound Relief Salve - all your cuts, burns, hangnails, general wounds, big and small, a natural neosporin + pain relief
-Bug Bite Salve - rub as needed on bug bites for relief and healing; plantain is a drawing herb that helps pull out what shouldn't be there - also great for splinters.

Farm Store Open Tuesday - Friday 9-7 & Saturday 9-2

I basically bring this with me everywhere. :D

Apple Shares Sign Up is OPEN!

Sign up now open for everyone!!

2026 will be our 15th season on the farm and 13th year of Apple Shares CSA! Email us to join the wait list. :) Email Brooke and John at info@alternativerootsfarm.com

Fall Apple Share Offerings for 2026

Each week enjoy a 4 lb bag of fresh & local apples.

Each bag sports 1-2 varieties of our organic apples. A mix of standard, lesser known and old heritage types. We'll send out a short weekly newsletter, with apple facts, orchard notes and a recipe. Begins the first week of September.

Three weekly pick up locations:

A.R.F. farm store (Th., Fri., or Sat.) - 6 or 8 weeks

New Ulm Pick Up, Turner Halle Lot (Th. at 5:00pm) - 6 or 8 weeks

Saturdays at the Mankato Farmers Market (8am-12pm) - 6 weeks

$60 :: 6 week Fall Apple Share

$78 :: 8 week Fall Apple Share *best price

*We are maintaining 2025 pricing for this season.

*4 lbs not enough? The option to sign up for 2 shares is available.

READ MORE --> Fall Apple Shares

Why Apple Shares?

Why Apples?! 

Oh so many reasons for apples...let me count the ways...

Fiber! Soluble and insoluble fiber. Helps move things along and feel fuller longer.

Antioxidants! Including polyphenols, which have a host of benefits. Including quercitin, beneficial for inflammation and oxidative stress.

Nutrient-dense! More bang for your buck.

Contains pectin - a pre-biotic. Benefits for gut health.

And more benefits! We didn't even mention delicious, juicy, crunchy, Minnesota's #1 fruit.

Why Apple Shares?!

A 4 lb bag of apples in your Fall Apple Share each week offers a compound of these benefits, plus on-the-go snacks for making health easier! I don't go anywhere during apple season without a whole apple to munch (or two), or an apple sliced up with some sharp white cheddar cheese to go along with it. This is great when it comes time to pack school lunches!!

Our Shares offer a larger selection of varieties than you will find at the grocery store, as we pick 40+ Certified Organic varieties. 

Each week in our Apple Shares newsletter you'll find a recipe, or two, to help you enjoy your fruits! We love making apple fritters in the mornings, and apple crisps for any time of day!

Extra apples (if you end up with extras) are great for helping to fill the freezer, or the pantry! Applesauce and apple butter is always on the shelf here (of course we can do that work for you as well!). Some folks opt for 2 Fall Apple Shares just for these very reasons!

"I want to support local farmers who are doing things right, so that they can make a living and help to create a stronger more resilient community. I also love minimal food miles, clean food, and minimal hands touching my food." --Angela

I can't put it better than Angela did! There are many reasons that go beyond the delicious taste and health benefits!

Holler any time with questions about our Organic apples, Apple Shares and other farm fresh programs!

Locally Yours, 

Brooke