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 →ππ Exciting News: SweeTango Apples at Chelan Ranch Organics! ππ

Are you ready for a crisp, juicy, and delightful apple experience? Look no further! SweeTango apples are at Chelan Ranch Organics. We’re thrilled to announce that our long-awaited SweeTango apples are ripe and available online and at our Farm Stand and U-pick farm. Prepare to savor the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every bite.
Continue reading →Chelan Ranch Open House Recap

The Chelan Ranch Open House was a lovely and memorable event that left a lasting impression. The experience featured Upick blueberries, delectable ice cream with various fruit toppings, engaging lawn games, a live musical performance by Mac Potts, and delightful gifts. This event seamlessly combined the beauty of nature with a celebration of good food, entertainment, and community.
Continue reading →Open House at Chelan Ranch Organics

Weβre busy preparing for our on-the-ranch celebration Saturday morning this week. Our team is working hard to make the event an exceptional agrarian experience with fresh farm flavors. Bring the whole family for a morning of laughter and connection! We have so much to share with visitors about whatβs going on at the ranch!
Continue reading →The ‘blue’ in blueberries can help lower blood pressure

Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, are water-soluble pigments responsible for the vibrant blue colors of blueberries. These compounds have been the subject of scientific research due to their potential health benefits, including their role in blood pressure regulation. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, there are several ways anthocyanins, the blue in blueberries, can help lower blood pressure:
Continue reading →How to U-pick Blueberries at Chelan Ranch

Blueberry U-pick at Chelan Ranch is happening. Harvesting our blueberries is an enjoyable family experience because of the “big” factor! We grow organic blueberries big, so picking is fun and easy. The bushes are big, so plenty of berries are everywhere for all ages. And the view, while you pick, is big, so you can enjoy an expansive vista of the lake and mountains while you pick. Follow these three steps for a successful harvest:
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