Dressel Farms

It's Time for Apples!

2012-08-30T09:13:00.001-05:00

It may still be "summer" according to the calendars, but here on Dressel Farms we've officially announced that summer is OVER.

That's right, Autumn begins in August this year. Remember that mild winter and hot spring we had? Well those anomalies have made everything ripen almost 2 weeks early this year. We had strawberries in May for the first time ever, and now we're already picking McIntosh and it's not even September yet!

Pick-Your-Own will begin this Saturday, September 1st. Only the earliest varieties will be ready, though. These include McIntosh and Gala. You'll also find some Cortlands and maybe some Macouns, thanks to that early ripening. Honeycrisp are ready, however the young PYO trees will undoubtedly be picked over within hours of the first day. Not to fret, though! We have plenty of Honeycrisp available at the roadstand.

We will press our first batch of fresh apple cider this weekend as well. The cider will be available at the roadstand beginning on Saturday. This also means we can begin making DONUTS! That's right, the undeniably delectable Apple Cider Donuts that everyone knows and loves will be hot and fresh this weekend and every day following throughout the fall.

If you don't already, I highly suggest you follow us on facebook (www.facebook.com/dresselfarms) to get up-to-the-minute updates about everything going on around the farm.

Media Attention

2012-05-03T07:42:00.003-05:00

The last weekend in April brought 3 consecutive nights of freezing temperatures- a no-win situation for many growers across the entire state. YNN, the local news channel, came by to ask Tim some questions about the impact this had. Here's the story:

http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/582740/apple-farmers-call-cold-weather--catastrophic--to-crop/

The Warm Winter

2012-02-22T11:45:00.003-05:00

A lot of people have been asking how this unbelievably warm winter is affecting us as growers. The short answer is there's an upside and a very big downside to the warmth.

The good news is that right now there have been no temperatures that would kill any of the over-winter plants or trees. There have been no ice storms to break any limbs. The lack of snow has made getting into the orchards to prune the trees incredibly easy. Working outside is easy and pleasant.

On the bad side, any stretch of spring-like temperatures (50s and above) can trigger the trees' response that winter is over and growing season has begun. In the fall, when temperatures are falling, trees begin pulling all of their fluids out of their extremities (limbs) and into their trunk and roots. Doing this puts them in a dormant state that prevents the more sensitive parts of the tree from freezing and dying during the cold winter. In the spring when it warms up, the trees begin pumping those fluids back out to their limbs and buds, assuming it's time to begin growing for the summer. The danger with this, especially during this time of year, is that there is still a threat of an extreme cold snap which will easily kill any buds that have water in them. This would cause wide-spread death and a massive loss for us.

The short version: trees should be asleep but the warmth is waking them up too early which could be bad if it gets really cold suddenly.

Ideally, we like lows overnight in the teens and twenties and highs during the day somewhere around 32. We even like cold temperatures throughout March to lessen the span of time we have to worry about frost. The earlier the spring, the more danger we face, unfortunately.

So while it's great to be outside on a sunny February day in just a sweater, a lot is riding on us keeping our trees asleep and, in turn, alive all winter. Enjoy the weather, but please don't wish for it to get any warmer. At least not until April!

Dressel Farms is on Google Plus!

2011-12-20T14:10:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you're aware of the never-ending game of Social Media domination. Well, maybe you're not, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you know that we've expanded our online footprint to include Google's social service, Google+.

If you're already a subscriber, go on now and add us to your Circles! If you're not a Google+ member, you're missing the cutting edge here! It's super easy to join, especially if you already have a GMail, Blogger or other Google account. You'll get helpful, informative and fun updates straight from the farm.

So go here: https://plus.google.com/116469304259283856356 and follow us!

Hot Mulled Apple Cider

2011-12-20T10:12:00.005-05:00

If it's the Christmas season that means it's the perfect time for MULLED CIDER! Always a favorite with the whole family, mulled apple cider could not be easier to make:

1 gallon Dressel Farms fresh Apple Cider
2-3 sticks Cinnamon
1 TBSP Allspice
1 TBSP Whole Cloves (adjust spices to taste...I put extra in!)

Combine all ingredient in a large pot. Simmer on Med-Low heat for 10-15 minutes to taste. Serve hot.

NOTE: Some recipes call for orange zest, brown sugar or a range of other ingredients. We've found, when using our real cider, that this is the best and easiest combination.

Pro Tips:

1) Wrap the spices in a cheese cloth to avoid needing to strain.
2) After mulling, you can cool the concoction, return it to the jug and save it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Roadstand News

2011-11-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! While you recover from your food coma I'll fill you in on what's going on around Dressels'.

The Roadstand is still open daily, however, this weekend will be our last in the building by the road. Starting Monday you'll be able to buy apples and cider from our Winter Showroom that's just down the driveway from the Roadstand. It's real easy to find- just follow the signs.

Hours this weekend will continue to be 9:30-5:00. When we move down back the hours will change to the following:

Monday-Friday: 9-5
Saturday: 10-4
Sunday: 11-4

You'll still be able to buy all the usual varieties of apples and our fresh cider as well as honey and maple syrup. This will be, sadly, the last weekend for donuts for the year :(

Thanks again for your continued patronage. We look forward to seeing you all winter!

Just about done

2011-10-24T07:56:00.002-05:00

The weather has definitely taken a cooler turn and our fall season is almost at a close. We do have one weekend left for pick-your-own, though, so if you still need your jack-o-lantern pumpkin or some apples this weekend is your last chance to pick 'em. The best varieties now are Fuji, Rome, Granny Smith, Staymen/Winesap and Ida Red.

After PYO ends, though, the roadstand continues to operate on it's normal 7-day schedule, open from 9:30-5:30 every day with apples, cider, donuts, honey, and maple syrup all the way through Thanksgiving.

As always, most questions can be answered by our website www.dresselfarms.com or you can call us during normal business hours.

Mid-September Update

2011-09-13T07:41:00.000-05:00

Pick-your-own is off to a great start! The weather is finally starting to cooperate and all of the apples are ripening up nicely. This coming weekend we'll have more varieties available including Macoun, Cortland, and a few early strains of Fuji in addition to the Gala and McIntosh we've been picking.

Also available at the roadstand is our fresh-pressed apple cider, all available varieties of apples including Honeycrisp, peaches, pears, plums and an array of fresh vegetables. Not to mention our homemade Apple Cider Donuts and NEW THIS YEAR- fresh, homemade scones made with Dressel Farms fruit!

On top of all that, during PYO we have our free hayrides to take you throughout the orchard, our animal pen with baby goats to feed, and probably the most spectacular view in the Hudson Valley.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us during normal business hours at (845) 255-0693.

Pick-Your-Own Grand Reopening

2011-08-30T09:22:00.002-05:00

The pick-your-own/u-pick season will begin this Saturday, September 3rd. Available varieties will include McIntosh, Gala and Honeycrisp. Our Honeycrisp orchard is very young so availability is limited. We'll have Honeycrisp available at the stand all season but if you're set on picking them yourself don't wait! We expect them to be totally picked by Sept 11th!

Hours for picking are Saturday and Sunday from 10-5. To make sure the orchard is clear by 5, no one will be allowed to enter after 4:30.

Roadstand hours are 7-days a week, 9:30-5:30.

We'll be firing up the doughnut robots for the first time this year. Demand got so out of control recently that we've upgraded and more than doubled our capacity for this season!

Chestnuts and pumpkins will be available in October.

Peaches and Early Apples

2011-08-24T07:25:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lull in blog posts this year, but we're back and promise this blog will be updated more frequently during the fall season.

Summer is quickly drawing to a close here on the farm. Like it or not, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and we're picking more and more apples every day.

So far, available varieties are limited to Ginger Gold and Jonamac. Within the next couple weeks we'll have McIntosh and Gala. Honeycrisp will be ready by the second weekend in September.

We're still picking a pile of peaches. We have yellow and white peaches as well as both yellow and white nectarines. Also available at the roadstand are Dressel Farms' fresh sweet corn, raspberries, plums and fresh vegetables.

We do not offer Pick-Your-Own for peaches. PYO apples will open in September and will be open every weekend (as well as Labor Day and Columbus Day) through October.

If you have questions, we encourage you to consult our website at www.dresselfarms.com or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms. For further questions, you can call the farm during normal business hours.

We're still open!

2011-02-01T15:17:00.002-05:00

Believe it or not, our winter sales room is still open and will stay open all winter and well into the spring! For those of you confused how we can still have produce now, check out this article on "Controlled Atmosphere" storage: (I know it's from Ohio...just go with it)

http://www.examiner.com/science-news-in-cincinnati/controlled-atmosphere-storage-of-apples

For the more science-savvy readers, here's a scientific paper:

http://www.ne-postharvest.com/hb66/012controlled.pdf

To summarize, we have air-tight rooms sealed chock full of apples that can therefore be used fresh up to 6-8 months after they're picked, making sure you get fresh, crisp apples throughout the year.

We still have most varieties available, as well as fresh cider, honey and maple syrup. We also have apple firewood available in bulk. We're open 7 days a week!

If you have questions or to check availability, please call the farm at 255-0693.

Christmas/New Years Eve

2010-12-21T10:35:00.002-05:00

We will be closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and will be closed all day Christmas Day and New Years Day. All other hours remain the same.

For additional information including availability please call the farm @ (845) 255-0693.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Winter Showroom

2010-11-29T08:33:00.003-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the cold weather is really setting in, we're moving our sales room down back like we always do. We'll have apples, cider, honey and maple syrup all winter, but you'll have to swing down back to get it. Don't worry, it's easy to find. Just follow the signs.

Winter Hours:
M-F: 9:30 - 5:00
Sat: 9:00 - 4:00
Sun: 11:00 - 4:00

November Update

2010-11-01T07:41:00.003-05:00

We hope everyone had a fun, safe and festive Halloween Weekend!

Now that it's November, a lot of things change around the farm. Pick-Your-Own is officially over for the year. Thanks again to EVERYONE who came and made it such a great season! If you're really still super-eager to pick something you'll have to wait until strawberry season in June 2011.

Despite PYO being closed, the roadstand will remain open on its normal hours (9:30-5:00 all week) and will still have apples, cider, donuts, pies, etc. After Thanksgiving we'll do our normal winter re-location to the warehouse down back, but there's still a few weeks before we have to worry about that.

Once again, thanks to everyone who came picking this year. Don't forget to share your memories by uploading any photos from the farm to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms. Weather-wise it was by far the nicest year we've had in a long time and we hope you enjoyed it.

Just about done

2010-10-28T07:59:00.002-05:00

This weekend, October 30th & 31st, will be the final weekend of Pick-Your-Own apples and pumpkins for the year. We do still have apples available for picking, especially Granny Smith and Fuji. If you're looking for baking apples we also have Romes available.

The roadstand continues to be open daily from 9:30 to 5:30 with all varieties of apples, fresh-pressed Dressel Farms cider, honey, maple syrup, and fresh Apple Cider Donuts.

As a special bonus, come dressed in a costume this Saturday or Sunday and mention this post at the ice cream stand to get a free small cone! (one cone per costumed person)

Happy Halloween!

There's a chill in the air

2010-10-19T07:56:00.002-05:00

It's been a great harvest so far, but it's not quite over yet. October 2010 is a rare month as it has 5 full weekends, so we still have 4 more days of pick-your-own left.

This weekend (23rd-24th) will still have plenty of apples left on the trees for picking. Prime varieties include Fuji, Romes, Granny Smith and Staymen/Winesap. We also have some Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Mutsu/Crispen left as well.

The picking on Halloween weekend will depend on how cold the nights get between now and then. We will definitely be open the 30th and 31st with PYO pumpkins and apples, as well as the roadstand with all your fall favorites.

Call ahead for availability if you're concerned. (845) 255-0693

The Heart of the Season

2010-10-04T10:59:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was a great one. Thanks to everybody who came to the farm on one of the most beautiful October weekends I can remember.

This weekend is Columbus Day, which means we'll be open Saturday, Sunday AND Monday with PYO! If you're planning on including us in your holiday weekend, we recommend getting here earlier rather than later. This tends to be our most popular weekend of picking, so if you want to beat the crowds you should try to be on the farm between 10 and noon!

By this weekend, most, if not all varieties will be ready to pick. Mutsu/Crispen are finally sweetening up, all of the Fuji are perfect and Staymen/Winesap should also be coming into ripeness. There are still tons of great pumpkins to get for your Halloween decorations, and the cider donut machine won't stop running all weekend.

Check the website for driving directions, pricing and more. If you have comments or photos you would like to share, head on over to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dresselfarms

It's almost October...

2010-09-28T08:05:00.002-05:00

September is coming to an end. The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler. The leaves are starting to turn and the view of the mountain from our orchard is possibly the best way to take in the autumn colors.

Pick-Your-Own continues through October. By this weekend, most varieties will be ready for picking. Golden Delicious has been coming on slowly, but we think they'll be good to go. The Mutsu are still pretty green and, as always, the Granny Smith and Romes will need a few more weeks.

Chestnuts began to fall last weekend, but any wind this week will surely drop a ton more on the ground. By this weekend you won't be able to walk a step through there without stepping on chestnuts.

The doughnut robot will be running full steam all day and we'll have freshly pressed cider to wash it all down with. To take the chill off, we might even brew up some famous hot mulled cider, too.

It's Pick-Your-Own season, again

2010-09-09T07:31:00.002-05:00

If today's cool air doesn't get you in the fall mood then you better come by the farm. We've got PYO up and running every weekend from now until Halloween weekend and I defy you to find a more quintessential autumn activity than visiting an apple orchard.

Apples are running early this year, so we've already got McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonamac, Macouns and even Cortland varieties ready. We've also got fresh cider that we're grinding almost daily now, which also means we've got Luisa's famous Apple Cider Donuts being made every day!

In addition to all of that we also have a great selection of vegetables, peaches and acorn and butternut squash. It looks like it's going to be a great weekend for picking, so stop by and see us!

Early Apples Available

2010-08-23T10:18:00.002-05:00

The warm spring has brought everything into maturity almost 10 days early this year. Because of this, we already have Jonamac, Gala and even early strains of Honeycrisp available at the roadstand.

As of now we estimate that Pick-Your-Own will begin Saturday, September 11th; and since everything is coming on so early, we'll be sure to have a great selection of varieties right off the bat including McIntosh, Empire, Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Cortland and Macoun.

Hope to see you soon!

Grapes

2010-08-13T14:08:00.002-05:00

For the first time ever, we now have our very own seedless table grapes for sale at the roadstand. We currently have 2 varieties- one white (Himrod) and one red (Reliance). These aren't the flavorless Thompson Seedless you buy in the grocery store! Stop by and see what I mean.

Availability Update

2010-08-02T07:41:00.003-05:00

The roadstand is open every day from 9:30-5:30 with lots of fresh produce including our very own yellow and white peaches, nectarines, plums, raspberries, summer vegetables (including cucumbers, peppers, summer squash and tomatoes) and sweet corn.

At this point we think the apple season is ~10 days ahead of schedule which means we may be picking our first varieties as early as August 15th. PYO will start in September regardless. We'll keep you notified.

Roadstand Open

2010-07-23T09:31:00.002-05:00

We reopened the roadstand today. It will be open daily from now through the fall from 9:30 - 5:30.

We currently have fresh peaches (both yellow and white) as well as plenty of our own fresh summer vegetables and a pile of sweet corn. I don't know about you, but fresh local sweet corn is definitely on my menu for dinner tonight!

The roadstand...

2010-07-22T09:13:00.001-05:00

...is not quite ready to open yet. We're cleaning up, picking some peaches, and getting ready to potentially open tomorrow. Check back later for updates!

Grand Reopening

2010-07-19T09:43:00.003-05:00

We're getting set to reopen the roadstand this Thursday (7/22) with our very own peaches, raspberries and summer vegetables. This date is tentative pending weather and yields so check back in a couple days for up-to-the-minute info!

Dressel Farms

It's Time for Apples!

Media Attention

The Warm Winter

Dressel Farms is on Google Plus!

Hot Mulled Apple Cider

If it's the Christmas season that means it's the perfect time for MULLED CIDER! Always a favorite with the whole family, mulled apple cider could not be easier to make:

1 gallon Dressel Farms fresh Apple Cider 2-3 sticks Cinnamon 1 TBSP Allspice 1 TBSP Whole Cloves (adjust spices to taste...I put extra in!) Combine all ingredient in a large pot. Simmer on Med-Low heat for 10-15 minutes to taste. Serve hot.

NOTE: Some recipes call for orange zest, brown sugar or a range of other ingredients. We've found, when using our real cider, that this is the best and easiest combination.

Pro Tips:

1) Wrap the spices in a cheese cloth to avoid needing to strain. 2) After mulling, you can cool the concoction, return it to the jug and save it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Roadstand News

Just about done

Mid-September Update

Pick-Your-Own Grand Reopening

Peaches and Early Apples

We're still open!

Christmas/New Years Eve

Winter Showroom

November Update

Just about done

There's a chill in the air

The Heart of the Season

It's almost October...

It's Pick-Your-Own season, again

Early Apples Available

Grapes

Availability Update

Roadstand Open

The roadstand...

Grand Reopening

1 gallon Dressel Farms fresh Apple Cider
2-3 sticks Cinnamon
1 TBSP Allspice
1 TBSP Whole Cloves (adjust spices to taste...I put extra in!)

Combine all ingredient in a large pot. Simmer on Med-Low heat for 10-15 minutes to taste. Serve hot.

1) Wrap the spices in a cheese cloth to avoid needing to strain.
2) After mulling, you can cool the concoction, return it to the jug and save it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.