Monday, December 17, 2018

Merry Christmas!

   We still have about 320 pounds of 'GoldRush' apples in our cooler, which I'm sorting each day into #1's and #2's.  We should have these for sale for the next 3 to 4 weeks, until we sell out.  'Enterprise' apples sold out a month ago. 'GoldRush' apples will keep well in your refrigerator for 10 to 11 months, and they get sweeter in cold storage, as starches convert into sugars.  They turn bright yellow when fully ripened.
'GoldRush' apples turn bright yellow when fully ripened, and get sweeter in cold storage.
   Small amounts of harvested #1 apples cost $1.30 per pound + tax.  A 20-lb. box of #1 apples costs $25.00 + tax ($1.25 per pound + tax), which saves $1.00 off the per-pound price. 2nds apples, with small cracks, cork spots, hail damage, or other surface damage, are great for baking, slicing for salads, or for making applesauce or apple butter.  Usually 95% to 99% of each fruit is still usable, but they're 70% or less the cost, at $0.93 per pound + tax for less than 20 pounds and $0.88 per pound + tax for 20 pounds.
   As stated in the Nov. 24 blog, we're now sold out of pecans for the season.  We had a very small pecan crop this year due to the April 16 freeze.  Those who want pecans and didn't get them from us may get them from Miller Pecan Company in Afton, OK.  They have 'Kanza' pecans and other varieties.  Their website is https://www.millerpecancompany.com/freshnuts/ 
   We do still have many of Bill's homemade jams for sale, all made from our homegrown fruit.  These are made with more fruit and less sugar, so are healthier and taste much better than most jams sold in grocery stores.  Each pint jar of jam, apple butter or other fruit products cost $5.56 + tax.
We still have many of Bill's homemade jams for sale.
   For payment, we accept cash or checks (from any state); NO debit cards or credit cards.  Please bring your checkbook or enough cash to cover what you'll buy.  Thanks.
   From Dec. 1 to May 31 we're open by appointment.  That means, from Dec. to May, to phone 620-597-2450 a day ahead, and leave a message on our answering machine with your name, the day and time you'll come, and what you want to buy.  Our phone rings in our house, so I'll get your message when I come in from working in the sales building.  State your phone number clearly in your message, so I can return your call to confirm.
   The best time of day to come in winter is in afternoon, between 1 and 5 p.m.  We have very limited heat in the sales building, so many early mornings in winter it is still in the 40's inside the building.  I also appreciate it if customers do not arrive between 12 noon and 1 p.m., as I go in the house to eat lunch then.  Thanks.
   We'll be closed from Dec. 23 to 27 to spend time with our family who'll be visiting us for Christmas.  We'll be open by appointment from Dec. 18 to Dec. 22 and from Dec. 28 until we sell out of apples, probably about mid-Jan.  Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Savior of all who accept Him as God and King.  Merry Christmas!