It may still be "summer" according to the calendars, but here on Dressel Farms we've officially announced that summer is OVER.
That's right, Autumn begins in August this year. Remember that mild winter and hot spring we had? Well those anomalies have made everything ripen almost 2 weeks early this year. We had strawberries in May for the first time ever, and now we're already picking McIntosh and it's not even September yet!
Pick-Your-Own will begin this Saturday, September 1st. Only the earliest varieties will be ready, though. These include McIntosh and Gala. You'll also find some Cortlands and maybe some Macouns, thanks to that early ripening. Honeycrisp are ready, however the young PYO trees will undoubtedly be picked over within hours of the first day. Not to fret, though! We have plenty of Honeycrisp available at the roadstand.
We will press our first batch of fresh apple cider this weekend as well. The cider will be available at the roadstand beginning on Saturday. This also means we can begin making DONUTS! That's right, the undeniably delectable Apple Cider Donuts that everyone knows and loves will be hot and fresh this weekend and every day following throughout the fall.
If you don't already, I highly suggest you follow us on facebook (www.facebook.com/dresselfarms) to get up-to-the-minute updates about everything going on around the farm.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Media Attention
The last weekend in April brought 3 consecutive nights of freezing temperatures- a no-win situation for many growers across the entire state. YNN, the local news channel, came by to ask Tim some questions about the impact this had. Here's the story:
http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/582740/apple-farmers-call-cold-weather--catastrophic--to-crop/
http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/582740/apple-farmers-call-cold-weather--catastrophic--to-crop/
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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!
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
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.
Friday, November 25, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, October 24, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Peaches and Early Apples
Sorry for the lull in blog posts this year, but we're back and promise this blog will be updated more frequently during the fall season.
Summer is quickly drawing to a close here on the farm. Like it or not, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and we're picking more and more apples every day.
So far, available varieties are limited to Ginger Gold and Jonamac. Within the next couple weeks we'll have McIntosh and Gala. Honeycrisp will be ready by the second weekend in September.
We're still picking a pile of peaches. We have yellow and white peaches as well as both yellow and white nectarines. Also available at the roadstand are Dressel Farms' fresh sweet corn, raspberries, plums and fresh vegetables.
We do not offer Pick-Your-Own for peaches. PYO apples will open in September and will be open every weekend (as well as Labor Day and Columbus Day) through October.
If you have questions, we encourage you to consult our website at www.dresselfarms.com or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms. For further questions, you can call the farm during normal business hours.
Summer is quickly drawing to a close here on the farm. Like it or not, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and we're picking more and more apples every day.
So far, available varieties are limited to Ginger Gold and Jonamac. Within the next couple weeks we'll have McIntosh and Gala. Honeycrisp will be ready by the second weekend in September.
We're still picking a pile of peaches. We have yellow and white peaches as well as both yellow and white nectarines. Also available at the roadstand are Dressel Farms' fresh sweet corn, raspberries, plums and fresh vegetables.
We do not offer Pick-Your-Own for peaches. PYO apples will open in September and will be open every weekend (as well as Labor Day and Columbus Day) through October.
If you have questions, we encourage you to consult our website at www.dresselfarms.com or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms. For further questions, you can call the farm during normal business hours.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
We're still open!
Believe it or not, our winter sales room is still open and will stay open all winter and well into the spring! For those of you confused how we can still have produce now, check out this article on "Controlled Atmosphere" storage: (I know it's from Ohio...just go with it)
http://www.examiner.com/science-news-in-cincinnati/controlled-atmosphere-storage-of-apples
For the more science-savvy readers, here's a scientific paper:
http://www.ne-postharvest.com/hb66/012controlled.pdf
To summarize, we have air-tight rooms sealed chock full of apples that can therefore be used fresh up to 6-8 months after they're picked, making sure you get fresh, crisp apples throughout the year.
We still have most varieties available, as well as fresh cider, honey and maple syrup. We also have apple firewood available in bulk. We're open 7 days a week!
If you have questions or to check availability, please call the farm at 255-0693.
http://www.examiner.com/science-news-in-cincinnati/controlled-atmosphere-storage-of-apples
For the more science-savvy readers, here's a scientific paper:
http://www.ne-postharvest.com/hb66/012controlled.pdf
To summarize, we have air-tight rooms sealed chock full of apples that can therefore be used fresh up to 6-8 months after they're picked, making sure you get fresh, crisp apples throughout the year.
We still have most varieties available, as well as fresh cider, honey and maple syrup. We also have apple firewood available in bulk. We're open 7 days a week!
If you have questions or to check availability, please call the farm at 255-0693.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christmas/New Years Eve
We will be closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and will be closed all day Christmas Day and New Years Day. All other hours remain the same.
For additional information including availability please call the farm @ (845) 255-0693.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
For additional information including availability please call the farm @ (845) 255-0693.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Winter Showroom
Now that Thanksgiving is over and the cold weather is really setting in, we're moving our sales room down back like we always do. We'll have apples, cider, honey and maple syrup all winter, but you'll have to swing down back to get it. Don't worry, it's easy to find. Just follow the signs.
Winter Hours:
M-F: 9:30 - 5:00
Sat: 9:00 - 4:00
Sun: 11:00 - 4:00
Winter Hours:
M-F: 9:30 - 5:00
Sat: 9:00 - 4:00
Sun: 11:00 - 4:00
Monday, November 1, 2010
November Update
We hope everyone had a fun, safe and festive Halloween Weekend!
Now that it's November, a lot of things change around the farm. Pick-Your-Own is officially over for the year. Thanks again to EVERYONE who came and made it such a great season! If you're really still super-eager to pick something you'll have to wait until strawberry season in June 2011.
Despite PYO being closed, the roadstand will remain open on its normal hours (9:30-5:00 all week) and will still have apples, cider, donuts, pies, etc. After Thanksgiving we'll do our normal winter re-location to the warehouse down back, but there's still a few weeks before we have to worry about that.
Once again, thanks to everyone who came picking this year. Don't forget to share your memories by uploading any photos from the farm to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms. Weather-wise it was by far the nicest year we've had in a long time and we hope you enjoyed it.
Now that it's November, a lot of things change around the farm. Pick-Your-Own is officially over for the year. Thanks again to EVERYONE who came and made it such a great season! If you're really still super-eager to pick something you'll have to wait until strawberry season in June 2011.
Despite PYO being closed, the roadstand will remain open on its normal hours (9:30-5:00 all week) and will still have apples, cider, donuts, pies, etc. After Thanksgiving we'll do our normal winter re-location to the warehouse down back, but there's still a few weeks before we have to worry about that.
Once again, thanks to everyone who came picking this year. Don't forget to share your memories by uploading any photos from the farm to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms. Weather-wise it was by far the nicest year we've had in a long time and we hope you enjoyed it.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Just about done
This weekend, October 30th & 31st, will be the final weekend of Pick-Your-Own apples and pumpkins for the year. We do still have apples available for picking, especially Granny Smith and Fuji. If you're looking for baking apples we also have Romes available.
The roadstand continues to be open daily from 9:30 to 5:30 with all varieties of apples, fresh-pressed Dressel Farms cider, honey, maple syrup, and fresh Apple Cider Donuts.
As a special bonus, come dressed in a costume this Saturday or Sunday and mention this post at the ice cream stand to get a free small cone! (one cone per costumed person)
Happy Halloween!
The roadstand continues to be open daily from 9:30 to 5:30 with all varieties of apples, fresh-pressed Dressel Farms cider, honey, maple syrup, and fresh Apple Cider Donuts.
As a special bonus, come dressed in a costume this Saturday or Sunday and mention this post at the ice cream stand to get a free small cone! (one cone per costumed person)
Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
There's a chill in the air
It's been a great harvest so far, but it's not quite over yet. October 2010 is a rare month as it has 5 full weekends, so we still have 4 more days of pick-your-own left.
This weekend (23rd-24th) will still have plenty of apples left on the trees for picking. Prime varieties include Fuji, Romes, Granny Smith and Staymen/Winesap. We also have some Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Mutsu/Crispen left as well.
The picking on Halloween weekend will depend on how cold the nights get between now and then. We will definitely be open the 30th and 31st with PYO pumpkins and apples, as well as the roadstand with all your fall favorites.
Call ahead for availability if you're concerned. (845) 255-0693
This weekend (23rd-24th) will still have plenty of apples left on the trees for picking. Prime varieties include Fuji, Romes, Granny Smith and Staymen/Winesap. We also have some Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Mutsu/Crispen left as well.
The picking on Halloween weekend will depend on how cold the nights get between now and then. We will definitely be open the 30th and 31st with PYO pumpkins and apples, as well as the roadstand with all your fall favorites.
Call ahead for availability if you're concerned. (845) 255-0693
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Heart of the Season
This past weekend was a great one. Thanks to everybody who came to the farm on one of the most beautiful October weekends I can remember.
This weekend is Columbus Day, which means we'll be open Saturday, Sunday AND Monday with PYO! If you're planning on including us in your holiday weekend, we recommend getting here earlier rather than later. This tends to be our most popular weekend of picking, so if you want to beat the crowds you should try to be on the farm between 10 and noon!
By this weekend, most, if not all varieties will be ready to pick. Mutsu/Crispen are finally sweetening up, all of the Fuji are perfect and Staymen/Winesap should also be coming into ripeness. There are still tons of great pumpkins to get for your Halloween decorations, and the cider donut machine won't stop running all weekend.
Check the website for driving directions, pricing and more. If you have comments or photos you would like to share, head on over to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms
This weekend is Columbus Day, which means we'll be open Saturday, Sunday AND Monday with PYO! If you're planning on including us in your holiday weekend, we recommend getting here earlier rather than later. This tends to be our most popular weekend of picking, so if you want to beat the crowds you should try to be on the farm between 10 and noon!
By this weekend, most, if not all varieties will be ready to pick. Mutsu/Crispen are finally sweetening up, all of the Fuji are perfect and Staymen/Winesap should also be coming into ripeness. There are still tons of great pumpkins to get for your Halloween decorations, and the cider donut machine won't stop running all weekend.
Check the website for driving directions, pricing and more. If you have comments or photos you would like to share, head on over to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It's almost October...
September is coming to an end. The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler. The leaves are starting to turn and the view of the mountain from our orchard is possibly the best way to take in the autumn colors.
Pick-Your-Own continues through October. By this weekend, most varieties will be ready for picking. Golden Delicious has been coming on slowly, but we think they'll be good to go. The Mutsu are still pretty green and, as always, the Granny Smith and Romes will need a few more weeks.
Chestnuts began to fall last weekend, but any wind this week will surely drop a ton more on the ground. By this weekend you won't be able to walk a step through there without stepping on chestnuts.
The doughnut robot will be running full steam all day and we'll have freshly pressed cider to wash it all down with. To take the chill off, we might even brew up some famous hot mulled cider, too.
Pick-Your-Own continues through October. By this weekend, most varieties will be ready for picking. Golden Delicious has been coming on slowly, but we think they'll be good to go. The Mutsu are still pretty green and, as always, the Granny Smith and Romes will need a few more weeks.
Chestnuts began to fall last weekend, but any wind this week will surely drop a ton more on the ground. By this weekend you won't be able to walk a step through there without stepping on chestnuts.
The doughnut robot will be running full steam all day and we'll have freshly pressed cider to wash it all down with. To take the chill off, we might even brew up some famous hot mulled cider, too.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
It's Pick-Your-Own season, again
If today's cool air doesn't get you in the fall mood then you better come by the farm. We've got PYO up and running every weekend from now until Halloween weekend and I defy you to find a more quintessential autumn activity than visiting an apple orchard.
Apples are running early this year, so we've already got McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonamac, Macouns and even Cortland varieties ready. We've also got fresh cider that we're grinding almost daily now, which also means we've got Luisa's famous Apple Cider Donuts being made every day!
In addition to all of that we also have a great selection of vegetables, peaches and acorn and butternut squash. It looks like it's going to be a great weekend for picking, so stop by and see us!
Apples are running early this year, so we've already got McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonamac, Macouns and even Cortland varieties ready. We've also got fresh cider that we're grinding almost daily now, which also means we've got Luisa's famous Apple Cider Donuts being made every day!
In addition to all of that we also have a great selection of vegetables, peaches and acorn and butternut squash. It looks like it's going to be a great weekend for picking, so stop by and see us!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Early Apples Available
The warm spring has brought everything into maturity almost 10 days early this year. Because of this, we already have Jonamac, Gala and even early strains of Honeycrisp available at the roadstand.
As of now we estimate that Pick-Your-Own will begin Saturday, September 11th; and since everything is coming on so early, we'll be sure to have a great selection of varieties right off the bat including McIntosh, Empire, Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Cortland and Macoun.
Hope to see you soon!
As of now we estimate that Pick-Your-Own will begin Saturday, September 11th; and since everything is coming on so early, we'll be sure to have a great selection of varieties right off the bat including McIntosh, Empire, Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Cortland and Macoun.
Hope to see you soon!
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