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Hill Creek Farm began with three varieties of apple, all on dwarfing rootstock. (There's more about dwarf fruit trees and our cultivation, training and pruning methods available by clicking here.) These three still make up the largest part of our orchard. But we are planting others as well and will have 12 varieties growing in our orchard as time goes by.
Hill Creek Farm's three varieties of apples have been chosen with care. We've picked fruit that has different flavor and texture qualities as well as different harvesting schedules. Members will enjoy two full months of apple picking every fall and a great range of tastes to go along with the outdoor fun.
Cameo™
Cameo was discovered by Darrel Caudle as a single, lone tree growing in an orchard full of Red Delicious apples in Dryden, Washington, nearly twenty years ago. Today it is one of the more sought-after of the newer varieties. Harvested in October, this lovely apple displays multiple colours and, like the Braeburn, holds its shape well when cooked. This makes it an excellent choice for both pies and sauces. Slow to brown once it has been sliced, Cameo is the ideal compliment to a fruit or fresh green salad. Cameo has a firm texture and a savory sweet-tart snap (sometimes called "subacid") which is perfect for fresh eating.
Jonagold De Coster™
Jonagold apples are bicolored, with an attractive red blush over a yellow background. Different strains of Jonagolds have been selected, generally based on the amount of red they display when ripe. Our apples, a strain selected by Henry De Coster, a prominent horticulturist from Belgium, is among the most popular in Europe. The apple has an attractive red blush over yellow background with red color developing just before harvest.
Autumn Rose Fuji®
The Autumn Rose Fuji is a "sport" or chance alteration in the standard Fuji that appeared spontaneously on a branch of the standard tree. It grows more reliably than the standard while having the same outstanding flavor and color qualities of the original. The fruit is large, very firm and colors with a prominent red stripe over a yellow background color. Autumn Rose® has a sweet and juicy flavor, a crisp texture and matures in late October.
The Trees
For the curious, below are photos of the three varieties:
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Cameo
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Autumn Rose Fuji
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Jonagold De Coster
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2009 Grand Opening
September 15th
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Hill Creek Farms is opening to the public on September 15, 2009. Everyone is welcome and we have ample parking.
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Pick Your Own
or Buy from Our Store
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The farm will be open six days a week, every week during apple picking season:
Tuesday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
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