Fall CSA Shares Available

Fall CSA Options   ::   Online Order Form

“Going to Alternative Roots Farm to pick up our Fall Share is something we really look forward to. It’s fun to see the animals! The vegetables are great and beautifully displayed. Heading out to the farm makes us “town folks” feel like we are part of the harvest season.” -Yvonne & Lee, CSA members

It’s that time of year again! Join us for our fourth season of Fall CSA. Enjoy the bounty of the season, fresh from the farm. This year our Fall Shares focus on the basics and best of the apple season.

In the past we have had a larger Full size, and a Mini Share; this year there is one more medium sized Fall Share and a new Apple Lovers Share. Join us for our Fall CSA, or swing by the Farm Store!

Fall CSA Shares are picked up at the farm between 4:00-7:00 pm on the dates specified.

Shares are done “market style” where you bag up your items—please bring your own container(s).


Wednesday, October 2  |  Hunter’s Moon Share  |  $45
Apples—fresh eating and baking, apple butter, applesauce, apple rings, acorn squash, butternut squash, garlic, onions, pea shoots, potatoes, kale/chard. Add on items will be available in the farm store.

Wednesday, October 30  |  Snow Moon Share  |  $45
Apples—fresh eating and baking, apple butter, applesauce, apple rings, acorn squash, butternut squash, garlic, onions, pea shoots/microgreens, kale/chard, potatoes. Add on items will be available in the farm store.

All items subject to availability, items may change based on abundance, or availability of other produce.

Apple Lovers Share  |  $30
Apples 4# bag, 2 apple butter, 2 applesauce, apple rings.

     Available Oct. 2 and 30, along with Fall CSA, or anytime in October by preorder appointment!

Online Order Form

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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.

Apple Season Farm Store Hours

The A.R.F. Farm Store is now open! 

Store Hours

Wednesday 4:00-7:00

Thursday 4:00-7:00

Friday 9:00-12:00

Saturday 9:00-2:00 (mid-August-October)

Our farm is located 12 miles South of New Ulm, 23 miles West of Mankato and 8 miles North of Madelia, 1.5 miles off Hwy 15, at 11197 130th St, Madelia, MN 56062.

Turn in where you see our farm sign, and the open/closed sign; the Farm Store is located in the large rounded quonset hut.

What's in Store?

A mix of seasonal items, eggs and canned goods. Apples and apple cider during apple season! Summer greens - kale and chard - garlic, onions, cucumbers, basil and herbs, tomatoes - always changing with the seasons. During the winter (Oct-Mar) watch for baby winter salad greens, microgreens and pea shoots from our passive solar deep winter greenhouse.

Canned items include our ever popular no-sugar applesauce and apple butter, as well as strawberry jam, strawberry-rhubarb jam, and more.

Snapshot of mid-August: Apples, apple cider, eggs, cucumbers, zucchini, chard, kale, onions, basil, herbs, garlic, tomatoes, applesauce, apple butter, jams, herbal wellness.

Shopping Tips

•We take cash or check, please come prepared to pay exact change.
•Please bring reusable shopping bags to keep waste down. Plastic bags are available in store also.
•Contact us ahead of time for special orders, large orders, or out of hours appointments.

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

Now Picking Zestar!

Now picking Zestar! apples! This is one of your favorites. Pick some up at the farm store or the Mankato Farmers' Market on Saturdays. It’s a great time of year to be eating local!

Zestar! Characteristics

A pleasing crisp texture, juicy, sweet-tart flavor with a hint of brown sugar. Skin is 60-85% red, where the sun hits it, contrasting with a creamy yellow skin. Round 3" diameter fruits. Excellent for fresh eating, storage varieties and great for cooking too.