Michigan apple orchards
October 23, 2014
Two weeks ago I jumped on a plane and headed north to Grand Rapids, Michigan. I along with a group of other bloggers were going apple picking and off to learn about production and shipping with the Michigan Apple Committee.
My first stop was at Sietsema orchards and cider mill in Ada. The owner’s here are all about educating the daily guests on apples. You won’t find a bouncy house or jungle gym at this stop. It’s solely based on apples. They have 150 different varieties on 15 acres.
While here they treated us to a lovely farm to table lunch including veggie sandwiches, Waldorf salad, potato salad, chicken and hard apple cider. They even offer fresh baked goods inside along with a glass or gallon of apple cider. Too bad I was flying because I would have brought some apple cider home with me.
Next stop was at Youngquist farms. It was at this stop where we learned a little more history from the owner Mark about growing apples and keeping them safe from weather and insects. I also got to see some of the workers pick apples and safely place them in the bins to be hauled off for cleaning and shipping. This apple orchard has a no pick up policy so if someone accidentally bumps an apple and it falls, it stays on the ground.
I also got to pick a fresh honey crisp apple on this trip and it was literally the best apple I’ve ever eaten. You just can’t beat a fresh apple straight off the tree.
We loaded back up on the bus to head to the Jack Brown produce plant. They are the leading Michigan apple packer, shipper and exporter. It was very informative to learn the whole production side of how apples end up from orchards to stores. This plant prides itself in great quality control and only choosing the best apples to be sent out for purchase. I was amazed at how many apples get turned away just because of color or a slight marking on them.
The last stop of the day was to the Robinettes’s Apple Haus and Winery. I loaded up on fresh apple cider and a freshly baked cookie before heading back to the airport for a return flight.
Michigan Apple facts:
- Michigan is 3rd largest apple production state in the nation
- There are 9.2 million apple trees in the ground
- 850 family run orchards
- Apples are available year round due to the controlled atmosphere storage
Texas readers can find Michigan apples at their local Costco or HEB stores.
Disclosure: A huge thank you to the Michigan Apple Committee for sending me on this trip. My travel was included.
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What a cool experience! I’ve always loved apples, but this year I’ve been crazy obsessed and using them in SO many recipes.
I’ve never been to an apple orchard. I have an apple cake recipe that I just made…guess I need to go out and get more apples 😉
Your pictures are beautiful! Almost makes me forget how cold and windy it was… 🙂 So glad you made it to Michigan for this trip and that we got to meet! Next time I have to come to Texas 😉
We make a trip to an apple orchard every fall! LOVE it! Beautiful photos!
How awesome is that trip! I’m down in North Carolina now, but when I lived up north, I loved it when Michigan’s apples headed our way.
I am so jealous, this looks like such fun. I thought all apples came from new England 😉 Now I know better!
beautiful!!! love the apples! and so sad you were so close-only 1 state awayyyy
Wow, looks like you had perfect weather for your trip! As a Michigan resident, I can safely say I’ve been taking full advantage of my proximity to orchards 🙂 Also, that potato salad looks nom-tastic!
I’m with you…you simply can’t beat the taste of an apple right off the tree! Apple picking time of year is one of my favorites!
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Michigan apples looks so sweet and enermous. I love coming hear and drinking some tea with cakes, and apples.
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That Honeycrisp you picked straight from the tree sounds unreal—makes me wonder if I’ve ever actually tasted a real apple before! I had no idea about the controlled atmosphere storage keeping them fresh all year. Kinda makes me want to plan a fall trip up there, or at least grab a six-pack of cider from this spot and call it a night.
Reading this lovely Michigan apple picking trip makes me think of how wonderful it would be to enjoy fresh baked apple treats with a quiet gongfu cha session after a day out. Sipping warm tea alongside sweet apple pastries is such a cozy way to unwind and recap a lovely day of travel. If you’re looking to elevate your own tea time at home, whether you’re pairing it with seasonal fruit treats or hosting friends after an outing, you can find well-crafted, complete pieces for your practice at Gongfu tea set. From hand-thrown gaiwans to sturdy tea trays and handy travel sets for day trips like this apple picking adventure, there’s something to suit every tea lover’s needs, helping you turn every casual tea break into a little ritual of calm.
I recently read your piece about Michigan apple orchards and enjoyed the detailed account of the trip to Grand Rapids with the Michigan Apple Committee. The visit to Sietsema orchards and cider mill and the farm-to-table lunch sounded wonderful, and picking a fresh honey crisp at Youngquist Farms made me nostalgic for summer orchards. The behind-the-scenes tour of the Jack Brown produce plant and their strict quality control — rejecting apples for color or slight markings — was particularly informative. I also appreciated the stop at Robinettes’s Apple Haus and Winery and the note about bringing home fresh cider and baked goods.
That no-pick-up policy at Youngquist Farms really stuck with me—such a smart way to protect the trees and ensure quality. Makes me appreciate the whole journey from orchard to grocery store even more. If you ever want to take a fun break from fruit facts, you should try out this color guessing game.