Now That’s a Big Apple
Barb and I did a road trip on Friday to visit Valley Orchard in Cherry Valley, Illinois just east of Rockford, to gather info for my next Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois article (on agritourism).
During my conversation with Raoul Bergersen, who has grown apples and other produce on the farm for 46 years, he mentioned that he grows a small crop of the Wolf River apple (seen in the photo above) mostly because he likes them.
Like most apples of this large size, the Wolf River is mainly used in baking. But unlike most big apples, it is pleasant to eat out of hand. The following is from the Trees of Antiquity website, which I chose because I love the name.
Wolf River apple tree originated on the farm of W.A. Springer in Wolf River, WI in 1875. The Wolf River apples are enormous fruits, often 1 lb. or more, famous for one pie from one fruit. Similar to the Alexander, but a bit larger and rounder. Wolf River apples have pale yellow skin almost covered with pale dull red. Soft, tender, creamy white flesh. Mostly used for baking and pies, but in the right climate on sandy soil it becomes a good dessert apple.
It’s in the fridge temporarily as a souvenir of our visit. Then I think Barb and I will split it for dessert.
Raoul picked the apple right off the tree for me during our cart ride around the orchard. Barb gets photo credit on any photo here that includes me.
Peak apple season is still a bit away, but many of the trees already are bursting with fruit.
Darryl (top photo) and Gordy, the farm dogs. I often make friends on these farm visits. Some of them have four legs.
Valley Orchard is located at 811 E. State St. in Cherry Valley and is now open every day during the apple season. Click the button below to visit their website.
Broadview Farm and Gardens is located in Marengo, about 20 miles due east of Cherry Valley and thus on our way home to Chicago. The farm was the subject of one of my first Buy Fresh Buy Local articles early in 2022.
Owners Tim and Delicia Brown were out on deliveries when we popped in. The farm store was open though, so of course we shopped, and with permission we wandered around taking photos.
Our haul from Valley Orchard: sweet Maia apples (recommended by Raoul), Italian plums and sweet cider.
Our haul from Broadview Farm: a whole chicken (they have a small flock), tomatoes, peaches, onions and yellow squash.