The Warm Winter

A lot of people have been asking how this unbelievably warm winter is affecting us as growers.  The short answer is there's an upside and a very big downside to the warmth.

The good news is that right now there have been no temperatures that would kill any of the over-winter plants or trees.  There have been no ice storms to break any limbs.  The lack of snow has made getting into the orchards to prune the trees incredibly easy.  Working outside is easy and pleasant.

On the bad side, any stretch of spring-like temperatures (50s and above) can trigger the trees' response that winter is over and growing season has begun.  In the fall, when temperatures are falling, trees begin pulling all of their fluids out of their extremities (limbs) and into their trunk and roots.  Doing this puts them in a dormant state that prevents the more sensitive parts of the tree from freezing and dying during the cold winter.  In the spring when it warms up, the trees begin pumping those fluids back out to their limbs and buds, assuming it's time to begin growing for the summer.  The danger with this, especially during this time of year, is that there is still a threat of an extreme cold snap which will easily kill any buds that have water in them.  This would cause wide-spread death and a massive loss for us.   

The short version: trees should be asleep but the warmth is waking them up too early which could be bad if it gets really cold suddenly.

Ideally, we like lows overnight in the teens and twenties and highs during the day somewhere around 32.  We even like cold temperatures throughout March to lessen the span of time we have to worry about frost.  The earlier the spring, the more danger we face, unfortunately.

So while it's great to be outside on a sunny February day in just a sweater, a lot is riding on us keeping our trees asleep and, in turn, alive all winter.  Enjoy the weather, but please don't wish for it to get any warmer.  At least not until April!

Dressel Farms is on Google Plus!

I'm sure you're aware of the never-ending game of Social Media domination.  Well, maybe you're not, but it doesn't really matter.  What matters is that you know that we've expanded our online footprint to include Google's social service, Google+.

If you're already a subscriber, go on now and add us to your Circles!  If you're not a Google+ member, you're missing the cutting edge here!  It's super easy to join, especially if you already have a GMail, Blogger or other Google account.  You'll get helpful, informative and fun updates straight from the farm.

So go here: https://plus.google.com/116469304259283856356 and follow us!

Hot Mulled Apple Cider

If it's the Christmas season that means it's the perfect time for MULLED CIDER! Always a favorite with the whole family, mulled apple cider could not be easier to make:
 

1 gallon Dressel Farms fresh Apple Cider
2-3 sticks Cinnamon
1 TBSP Allspice
1 TBSP Whole Cloves                                   (adjust spices to taste...I put extra in!)

Combine all ingredient in a large pot. Simmer on Med-Low heat for 10-15 minutes to taste. Serve hot. 

 NOTE: Some recipes call for orange zest, brown sugar or a range of other ingredients. We've found, when using our real cider, that this is the best and easiest combination. 

 Pro Tips:  

1) Wrap the spices in a cheese cloth to avoid needing to strain.
2) After mulling, you can cool the concoction, return it to the jug and save it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Roadstand News

Hey everybody!  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!  While you recover from your food coma I'll fill you in on what's going on around Dressels'.

The Roadstand is still open daily, however, this weekend will be our last in the building by the road.  Starting Monday you'll be able to buy apples and cider from our Winter Showroom that's just down the driveway from the Roadstand.  It's real easy to find- just follow the signs. 

Hours this weekend will continue to be 9:30-5:00.  When we move down back the hours will change to the following:

Monday-Friday: 9-5
Saturday: 10-4
Sunday: 11-4

You'll still be able to buy all the usual varieties of apples and our fresh cider as well as honey and maple syrup.  This will be, sadly, the last weekend for donuts for the year :(


Thanks again for your continued patronage.  We look forward to seeing you all winter!

Just about done

The weather has definitely taken a cooler turn and our fall season is almost at a close.  We do have one weekend left for pick-your-own, though, so if you still need your jack-o-lantern pumpkin or some apples this weekend is your last chance to pick 'em.  The best varieties now are Fuji, Rome, Granny Smith, Staymen/Winesap and Ida Red.

After PYO ends, though, the roadstand continues to operate on it's normal 7-day schedule, open from 9:30-5:30 every day with apples, cider, donuts, honey, and maple syrup all the way through Thanksgiving. 

As always, most questions can be answered by our website www.dresselfarms.com or you can call us during normal business hours. 

Mid-September Update

Pick-your-own is off to a great start!  The weather is finally starting to cooperate and all of the apples are ripening up nicely.  This coming weekend we'll have more varieties available including Macoun, Cortland, and a few early strains of Fuji in addition to the Gala and McIntosh we've been picking. 

Also available at the roadstand is our fresh-pressed apple cider, all available varieties of apples including Honeycrisp, peaches, pears, plums and an array of fresh vegetables.  Not to mention our homemade Apple Cider Donuts and NEW THIS YEAR- fresh, homemade scones made with Dressel Farms fruit! 

On top of all that, during PYO we have our free hayrides to take you throughout the orchard, our animal pen with baby goats to feed, and probably the most spectacular view in the Hudson Valley. 

If you have any questions, feel free to call us during normal business hours at (845) 255-0693.

Pick-Your-Own Grand Reopening

The pick-your-own/u-pick season will begin this Saturday, September 3rd. Available varieties will include McIntosh, Gala and Honeycrisp. Our Honeycrisp orchard is very young so availability is limited. We'll have Honeycrisp available at the stand all season but if you're set on picking them yourself don't wait! We expect them to be totally picked by Sept 11th!

Hours for picking are Saturday and Sunday from 10-5. To make sure the orchard is clear by 5, no one will be allowed to enter after 4:30.

Roadstand hours are 7-days a week, 9:30-5:30.

We'll be firing up the doughnut robots for the first time this year. Demand got so out of control recently that we've upgraded and more than doubled our capacity for this season!

Chestnuts and pumpkins will be available in October.