Introducing Our Organic Holiday Gift Boxes

At our organic, small family farm, every harvest is a labor of love, a dedication to the rich soil, and a commitment to providing you with the finest, freshest produce. We are thrilled to introduce our exquisite range of organic holiday gift boxes, each meticulously crafted to bring the goodness of our farm straight to your doorstep.
Continue reading →Harvest Gratitude

Harvest Gratitude permeates our organic farm, situated above Lake Chelan, Washington, as it undergoes a significant transformation. Rooted in organic principles, we’re shifting from commodity farming to a direct-to-consumer approach.
Continue reading →Should I put apples in the fridge?

Apples, nature’s crunchy and sweet gift, often find themselves at the center of a culinary problem—should they be nestled in the fridge’s cool embrace or basking in the warmth of the kitchen countertop? The answer to the question, “Should I put apples in the fridge?” is easy. All of my apples are organic, so they go in the refrigerator for reasons I will explain later.
Continue reading →Composting for Beginners

Soil in hand for planting
Embarking on the path of composting for beginners is more than a mere leap toward sustainable living. It’s an immersive connection to the natural cadence and the transformative prowess inherent in decay. The journey involves transforming everyday kitchen scraps, yard waste, and select packaging materials from Chelan Ranch Organics into the revered ‘black gold’ that nourishes your garden.
Continue reading →Can GMOs be Organic?

The straightforward answer to “Can GMOs be organic?” is no. The National Organic Program (NOP) in the U.S. and the European Union’s organic regulations forbid the use of GMOs in organic farming. This topic sparks significant interest, as seen in popular searches.
Continue reading →Each apple begins as a flower. Did you know that?

Each apple begins as a flower. Did you know that? I hope I didn’t offend you with that question! In modern society, people often encounter fruits like apples primarily in their final, harvested form. The focus is on the end product available in grocery stores rather than the process of growth and development from blossom to fruit. We still have many orchards in our surrounding Lake Chelan, Washington area. Most people here know the apple growing process from flower to fruit.
Continue reading →How do apples get their shape? Plus, other traits.

When biting into a crisp, juicy apple, have you ever wondered how nature crafts these familiar fruits into their diverse and appealing shapes, flavors, textures, sizes, and colors? Nature’s process of shaping apples and more is an intricate dance between genetics, environmental factors, and cultural practices. Let’s explore the fascinating journey of how apples acquire their uniqueness. Let’s begin our journey on how the parent trees determine the genetic foundation.
Continue reading →Exploring the Diverse World of Apple Varieties: Classics, Heirlooms, New Varieties, and Club Apples.

Apples are one of the most beloved and versatile fruits, enjoyed in various forms, from fresh snacking to delicious desserts and refreshing beverages. I’m so glad we grow them at Chelan Ranch! As a true apple advocate, I eat an apple a day. I have my favorites, and I love how they taste and make me feel. What makes apples genuinely fascinating is the vast array of apple varieties available to us. In this blog post, I’ll take you through the diverse world of apple varieties, from the time-honored classics and cherished heirlooms to exciting new varieties and the exclusive club apples. I’ve organized the varieties by how the trees originated by chance seedlings or bred apples within each category.
Continue reading →Apple-Picking 101: Answering Your Most Common Questions

Apple picking 101 because it’s that time of year! Autumn is a time that brings about many cherished traditions, and one that stands out for its wholesome, family-friendly appeal is apple picking. With orchards full of ripe, juicy apples, it’s no wonder people look forward to venturing out to pick their own every year; it’s an experience that allows you to connect with nature in a delightful outdoor activity. But before you head to your local orchard, you may have a few questions about the apple-picking experience. We’re here at Chelan Ranch Organics to answer the most common ones!
Continue reading →What is the white stuff on organic apples?

If you’re eating one of our Chelan Ranch organic apples, you might ask, “What is the white stuff on organic apples?” As naked as we’d like our organic fruit to be, even our apples need sun protection. So, we apply kaolin clay to protect the apples while they grow on the tree.
Continue reading →