In 1963, Paul Fahrbach, breaking bold new ground (so to speak), planted an orchard 4 miles north of Courtland in the Bostwick Irrigation District. At the time, it was the largest orchard west of US 81 Highway, and consisted mainly of apples, but also included peaches, cherries, apricots, and strawberries. He farmed it until he sold it to Nick Munk in the late 70’s, who hired Dan in 1979 to work in the orchard. He went on to rent it until 2003, when it was bulldozed to make room for more farm ground.
The 80s were unbelievable. Even though the orchard was on a gravel road far from a town, in a small metal building with no plumbing, we sold as many as 400 bushels in a day. U-pickers from all over north central Kansas and south-central Nebraska came to pick bushels and bushels, many times filling their trunks. It was a time when home canning and food preservation were standard operating procedures on most farms and in many households. How we ever managed the crowds with no serious accidents is a testimony to Providence!
To this day, every once in a while, a late-thirties or forty-something person will come into the Depot and say something like, ”My gramma used to take us to the orchard when we were little, and we had the best time picking apples”. Fyodor Dostoevsky, the Russian novelist, said, “We can be saved by one happy childhood memory”. Our goal is to make happy memories again, having fun picking apples. Nothing tastes as good as an apple you pick right off the tree!
Check out our Recipes page for some great apple tips and tricks!
The Zestar apple variety is an early-season apple that has an exciting, zesty flavor with a hint of brown sugar and a crisp, juicy texture. Although the Zestar apple is quick to brown, try it in a “sweet-tart” dessert such as a pie or eat it fresh from the tree!
The Brookfield Gala apple variety’s flavor is juicy sweet with a firm, tender, and crisp texture. Brookfield Galas produce fruit smaller in size, making them great for kids and snacking. In addition, try them in salads, for juicing, baking, and freezing!
The Chrisolyn Jonathon apple variety has a tart and crisp flavor. The Chrisolyn Jonathon apple is a good storing apple, delicious for eating fresh, and productive for juice/cider, sauce, and maintains its shape for baking. These make great caramel apples!
The Crimson Crisp apple variety’s flavor is described as sweet, yet spicy and rich with a hint of tartness. Crimson Crisps are good to eat fresh, and their firmness makes them a good baking apple. Try them in a delicious apple crisp!
The Pixie Crunch apple variety has a super-sweet, crunch-crisp flavor and is known to be sweeter than Honeycrisp apples! Pixie Crunch is great for fresh eating and is known by children to be chosen over sweets and candy. Tender when cooked, try it in a “no sugar” pie!
The Autumn Crisp apple variety’s flavor is crisp, juicy, and “sweet-tart”, but is considered sweeter than tart. Autumn Crisp makes delicious apple slice snacks and is slow-to-brown, making it wonderful for salads!
The Brookfield Gala apple variety’s flavor is juicy sweet with a firm, tender, and crisp texture. Brookfield Galas produce fruit smaller in size, making them great for kids and snacking. In addition, try them in salads, for juicing, baking, and freezing!
The September Wonder Fuji apple variety has a sweet flavor with notes of honey and citrus. The September Wonder Fuji is good for eating and baking. Feature its yummy flavors for some crispy apple chips!
The Empire apple variety is a sweet apple with a crisp texture that includes hints of melon, pineapple, or elderflower. The Empire apple is best for eating and salads, but also good for sauce, baking, and freezing. Include them in your kids’ lunchbox as they are less likely to bruise!
The Jonastar apple variety has flavors that are tangy and juicy. The Jonastar apple variety is great for storage, cooking, and baking, but could also be served by itself for a yummy dessert!
The Red Cameo apple variety has a thick skin, crispy bite, and a “sweet-tart” flavor with a hint of pear. The Red Cameo is great for fresh eating, salads, pies, sauces, and baking.
The Rosalee apple variety originates from the Honeycrisp and Fuji apple varieties with clean, floral flavors and a texture that melts in your mouth. A medium-sized apple, great for eating fresh.
The Ludacrisp apple variety has flavors that are fruity and juicy like tropical fruit such as pineapple, red grapes, and strawberries. A newer variety, Ludacrisp produces fruits large in size and stores well over time.
The Lady in Red apple variety has a balanced “sweet-tart” flavor, crisp texture, and sensational aroma. Lady in Red is considered very similar to the well-known Pink Lady apple, but it harvests sooner. As you know, both varieties are great eating apples!
The Pink Lady apple variety is refreshing flavor with a “sweet-tart” taste that is more tart than sweet. Pink Ladys are slow-to-brown and versatile, making them great for baking, snacking, salads, pairing, or sauces.
The Sweet Zinger apple variety has a juicy, sweet flavor with floral tones. Sweet Zinger is a newer apple variety that is good for eating, baking, and sauce making.
The Aztec Fuji apple variety is commonly known as a dessert apple; it has a sweet flavor. The Aztec Fuji is good for baking and eating fresh off the tree.
The Evercrisp apple variety has sweet and juicy flavors that pair well with soft cheeses, crackers, and wine, making it a great snacking apple. This apple stores well, maintaining its sweetness and firmness over time. Try it in recipes or for dehydration.
The Depot Market has fresh produce, local favorites, and market finds you’ve been waiting for. We can’t wait to see you!
