Happy Friday, Farm-ily,
Shared meals are often touted as the key to forging and cementing new friendships. If that’s the case, those of you who have made applesauce, apple butter, and apple pie this season are now intimately acquainted with the Garretson family of Beechwood Orchards. The Garretsons have been tending their land and trees in Adams County, Pennsylvania, for more than a century. Three generations of farmers have a hand in the fruits we’ve enjoyed this year, from David and Tammy down to their granddaughters.
(Photo Credit: Beechwood Orchards/Facebook)
Beechwood grows a wide variety of fruit, from berries and peaches to apples and pears, using forward-thinking Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to protect the both their customers and the ecosystem surrounding their farm. You many have seen the Garretson’s market stall at One Loudoun Farmer’s Market in the past. This year, in addition to their produce for sale there, they’ve brought stacks of wooden crates piled high with freshly picked fruit for our Farm-ily. Collin or Alexandra meets them on Sunday at the market, loading our truck with the juicy harvest that we then send out to you.
Our last few deliveries have included the most delicious Asian Pears. If this fruit is new to you, you might be asking yourself “Is it an apple, or is it a pear?” Asian Pears are apple-shaped, round, and crisp. Although incredibly juicy, like ordinary pears, their juice is better contained in the flesh, like apples. They are in fact pears, and closely related to the European varieties we know. Although they bruise easily, like most pears, they will store for longer in proper refrigeration. Asian pears can be substituted for raw apples in many recipes, and their sweetness works equally well in baked goods and Asian sauces and marinades. Most importantly, they are lip-smackingly delicious. The Asian pears from Beechwood Orchards have been an exceptional treat, one that makes us very glad for our new Pennsylvanian friends! Though we only have three weeks left in our CSA season, our growing community will surely keep us inspired over the winter as we plan for the future of the farm.
Eat Well and Be Well,
Ashley, Collin, John, Alexandra, Rory, Gabe, and the hens, hogs, and dogs
Find recipes and cooking tips for Asian Pears and more on our
