Michigan Apples Set State Record
It was a good season for apples here in Michigan. The state set shipment records two weeks in a row in October. With 9.2 million total apple trees in commercial production on 36,500 acres, Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the United States, and distributes apples to 26 states and 18 countries.
As one of the largest fruit crops in the state, apples have an estimated annual impact of $700–900 million on Michigan’s economy. “Our growers, packers and shippers are working seven days a week, day and night to move this bumper apple crop,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “These numbers illustrate not only that we have a large crop, but also that there is great retail and consumer demand for Michigan-grown apples.”
Cider Mill Wind Down
It’s hard to believe fall is all but over, and winter is well on its way. The local ski resorts have started making snow (more on that next week) and the area cider mills are in wind down mode.
September and October gave Southeast Michigan residents good weather to visit area cider mills. Traditionally, once Halloween passes, the lines diminish and the activities at the mills disappear. However, all the cider mills are still open and serving fresh-pressed sweet cider and donuts.
Rochester Area Cider Mills
Celebrating its 150 anniversary this year is Yates Cider Mill. This time of year the outdoor Fudge Shoppe moves inside and many of the activities outside end. The lines are smaller, but the cider and donuts keep selling. Their last day will be Saturday, December 14. Yates is planning on a spring pressing in April – mark you 2014 calendar to check their website for details.
Rochester Cider Mill will be open through December 31. Cider and donuts will be available until then; and Christmas tree sales will start just after Thanksgiving.
Pistachio Nut Bread and Holiday Cider orders have begun at the Goodison Cider Mill on Orion Road. They’ll be open 7-days a week until Thanksgiving and then weekends only until Christmas.
North of M-59 on the east side of Dequindre Road is Middleton Cider Mill. They’ll be open until the weekend after Thanksgiving. Cider, donuts and pies (of course) will be available until then. Say “hi” to Lucky, the resident cider mill cat when you stop to see their variety of caramel and candied apples.
Nearby Cider Mills
If you’ve been to all the Rochester Area mills and you want try some place new …
The Franklin Cider Mill has a lot going on. They press two kinds of cider: an all Honey Crisp and a blend. A variety of apples, bake goods, and local products are available. However, the only donut decision you’ll need to make is how many to buy, since they only make one kind of donut. They’ll be open until Sunday, December 15.
Past Tense in Lapeer is a country store featuring a cider mill, restaurant, Christmas store and more. Open all year with donuts and cider, Past Tense is a wonderful stop this time of year.
If you go:
Yates Cider Mill 1990 East Avon Road. Rochester Hills 248-651-8300 Rochester Cider Mill 5125 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills 248-651-4224 Goodison Cider Mill 4295 Orion Road, Rochester Hills 248-652-8450 Middleton Cider Mill 46462 Dequindre Road, Utica 586-731-6699 The Franklin Cider Mill 7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills 248-626-8361 Past Tense 1965 Farnsworth Road, Lapeer 810-664-5773
For a complete listing of Mills & Farms in Michigan, visit the Pure Michigan Website