Field Trip!

Apples waiting to be washed

It is fall and that means apple season. I purchase my apples from Debbe and Jay Noonkester of Windy Hill Orchards, at the farmers market.

Their orchards are actually in Ararat, Virginia. If you get a chance, go visit and pick your own fruit.

Debbe has participated in the Baby G.A.P (Good Agriculture Practices) Program and it is common for her to have home school groups visit for a field trip.  

The Noonkester family farm, is a Century Farm. The land has been in the family for over a hundred years and the orchard is a parcel of the original track of land.

Fitzhough Lee, the nephew of Robert E Lee, gave this land to Jay’s second great grandfather and two brothers for their service in the Civil War. The Noonkester's are active participants in J.E.B. Stuart Civil War Encampmentand Living History Weekend held in October.



Tomato now apple polisher



Windy Hill is an environmentally friendly, low spray and integrated pest management orchard. They cover eighteen acres with the same amount pesticide their competitors use to cover two acres. Along with the low spray, keep an eye out for the Ladybugs and Praying Mantis in the integrated pest management program.

Debbe and Jay told me they often sell their fruit to organic grocery outlets, because of being low spray and non-waxing of their fruit. To be honest they do not have to wax their fruit. Many years ago, they purchased a tomato polisher to polish the apples. The fruit comes out of the machine as shiny as a waxed apple you get from store.

Cleaned and polished

I was able to visit the farm on Wednesday.  I missed a turn, and roamed the countrysides of North Carolina and Virginia for almost an hour. So because of my mistake and time constraints, I was not able to venture into the orchards. Instead, I was given a personal tour of “The Shed.” The Shed is where the apples are washed, polished, and readied for either market or cider. You can also purchase award winning butters and jams made by Debbe. If you get a chance to visit, make sure to go on Thursdays when Debbe makes the apple cider.

Cider press

Besides apples, Windy Hill Orchards also have peaches and cherries.

You can find Windy Hill Orchards on the internet at http://windyhillorchards.com/home or
Windy Hill Orchards
176 Windy Hill Lane
Ararat, VA 24053
ph: 2762515222
alt: 2766928157
debbe@windyhillorchards.com

In the mood to try something different but surprisingly tasty?

Russian Apple with Eggs Salad:

4 apples peeled, cored and chopped into bite size pieces

2 chopped hard boiled eggs

1/4 cup of green peas

2 cups of chopped lettuce (variety of choice)

2 Tablespoons + of mayonnaise

Directions:

Mix apples, eggs, peas, and mayonnaise until well blended.

Serve over lettuce.

If you enjoy this page sign up to become a follower. Please feel free to leave comments! And as always, please pass this page on to your friends!