Detering Orchards

Here in Lane County we have a host of October-ish things to anticipate. One is the gem of a farm we have in Detering Orchards. 

For instance, long after other farms close for the season, Detering remains open. They will have u-pick produce through mid-November this year (did you know 95% of their produce is available for u-pick? which brings the price down per pound??). Once u-pick slows down, the farm store remains open until February with produce, Detering-made preserves, jams, sauces and fresh-pressed cider, locally-produced nuts, honey, and popcorn, and some truly fabulous options for fall and holiday gifts and décor.

Detering has a story.

​Siblings Greig and Becky are the 3rd generation of Deterring’s to run the family farm. They’re committed to maintaining the values that their red-suspender-wearing father Roger passionately instilled…celebrating the seasons, providing affordable, family memories, and teaching children where their food comes from. Becky says, “I love the feeling of the fall here at Detering. And we all look forward to the field trips we host all season.”

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And this is THE TIME of the year to visit! They kick off Apple Daze this weekend and continue through October (8am-7pm on Saturdays, 8am-6pm on Sundays). This includes:

Samples of apple cider and apple cobbler. Live music. Free corn maze and hay bale maze. Play area. Face painting. Available for low cost: apple launcher, feeding the barn animals, and a tractor ride out to the u-pick orchard (kids are actually free for that one, adults are $1). 

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October 8-9: join the Apple Daze Kickoff with pumpkin carving demonstrations and giveaways.

October 22-23: bring a decorated or carved pumpkin and receive free Apple Blaster tickets!

October 29-30: come dressed in your Halloween costumes for FREE apple blaster tickets and PRIZES for best costume!

My family happens to be regulars at Detering. Recently, we tramped through the mazes, hit up the sample tables, launched a dozen apples and played. But the highlight was definitely picking apples… once we aggressively interviewed the staff for their recommendations. After all, Detering has over 30 apple varietals!

The Mutsu. This is the all-around staff favorite due to its baking prowess. Because of its size, there are less overall apples to peel and they hold up really well in cobblers, crisps and pies.  Becky loves all the large varietals of apples but recommends the little Jonathans for caramel apples or an easy snack for the kids. Our tractor driver, John, scoffed at the idea of picking a favorite. “Anything is my favorite when it’s picked fresh, in season.” 

Other must-picks include the Melrose and the Jonagolds. 

Grab this handy chart at the farm to get an idea of what kind of apples to get for your dish or sauce. U-pick vary around 72 cents/pound.  Also available for picking: pears, tomatoes, peppers and flowers.

Now, go!  Enjoy! Tell them GoMomGo sent you!