FOUR ELMS FRUIT FARM 

September/October

Its been a manic few months on the farm, all year we have been working hard growing our apples and finally the daunting task of harvest has come around! After monitoring the fruit for the perfect ripeness we gave the green light in the first week of September (a particularly early season this year). With approximately 20 harvest workers at hand (recruited from our local area), we trained them with correct technique to hand pick the fruit. A worrying time as so much effort has gone into growing them, incorrect picking technique can ruin the crop. 

Weather was kind to us this year, most days the sun was shinning and we made good progress! Approximately 20-30 tonnes a day were harvested. As soon as a box is filled its carefully extracted from the orchards and back to base at Four Elms. With no time to waste the apples are put straight into one of the refrigerated controlled atmosphere stores. Some fruit may not come out until March.

The crop has proved to be excessive, currently (early October) all stores are filled and we are grading though bins to sell making room for the next variety Braeburn! 

Colour, size and flavour are of the highest quality this year, some really superb apples!

APPLE PRESSING HAS BEGUN!!

We have also had some great news recently! We are very proud to say we are the Champions of Taste of the Wests - non alcoholic cold drinks category with our COX/BRAMLEY JUICE! Some stiff competition this year but we did it!!! 

Finally, many of our loyal customers have been asking when 'The Apple Shed' will open. I'm pleased to say it now is!!! Come in and see us for all your apple, juice and honey needs.