Frequently Asked Questions
When are you open?
We are now CLOSED FOR THE 2024 SEASON. Hope to see you next year!
Where are you located?
Address: 8079 Maurer Rd, Cross Plains, WI 53528
How should I contact Appleberry Farm?
Email: theappleberryorchard@gmail.com
Phone: (608) 798-2780
Is there an admission fee?
No. You can visit the farm and walk the public areas of the grounds free of charge during regular business hours.
Do you offer U-Pick?
U-Betcha! We offer U-Pick apples, raspberries, and pears (limited quantity) during our fall harvest season.
Do you have fresh apple cider?
Yes, we sell freshly pressed apple cider in gallons and half-gallon jugs. We press our cider fresh on Thursdays.
Do you have apple cider donuts & caramel apples?
Yes, we make apple cider donuts and caramel apples fresh at the farm every week. We sometimes sell out by the end of a busy weekend, so it’s best to call ahead if you gotta have that favorite snack and want to make sure we have some available!
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, as well as cash.
Can I order ahead or preorder?
We typically do not take pre-orders. But if you want to contact us, we can try to accommodate your request. Pre-orders MUST be paid for in advance. We can take payment via phone.
Do you sell by bushels or in bulk?
Yes, occasionally. It depends on the season and how many pre-picked apples we have in stock. Call ahead or email us for bulk inquiries.
Do you ship products?
No. Our season is fast and many products are subject to availability - we focus our time and energy on the many customers visiting us at the farm.
Can I purchase products in the off season?
Possibly! If we have what you're looking for and can find a time to connect, we'd love to get you the products you need. Call or email us for more info.
Do you host private events and weddings?
No, not at this time. If you plan on bringing a larger group (30+ people), please give us a heads up, so we can accommodate parking and stock up on our best-selling products.
Is professional photography allowed?
Yes. All we ask is that you and your clients visit during our regular business hours. There is no fee and reservations are not required.
Apple FAQs
Are your apples organic?
While our apples are not certified organic, Appleberry Farm practices low spray IPM.
IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management. It’s a fancy term but a simple philosophy that focuses on a natural approach to ensure all management decisions are good for the environment, our health, and our future. That means we only spray to protect against MAJOR crop damage. We try hard to keep everything in balance (good bugs eat bad bugs), and we don’t worry about small imperfections. We value most, the ability to eat safely what you pick. So there may be a few more spots, and certainly more weeds, but we like that our kids can enjoy a bite as they pick.
How will I know if my favorite variety is available?
Our inventory changes quickly throughout the season. For the most accurate availability, please call or email us, or check out What’s New page.
It’s hard to predict exactly when a specific apple variety will be available. Each apple has a different ripening time, anywhere from mid-August to October. Apple ripening varies greatly by variety and even within the canopy of a single tree. Apples in the center of the tree are more shaded and ripen more slowly than apples on the outside and top. Our farmers use fruit color, sugar content, loss of starchiness, and flavor to decide when to harvest.
Why do some of my apples have brown patches on the top?
These brown patches are known as russeting. Russeting is a brownish, corky or netlike texture that appears on many apple and pear varieties. It ranges in coverage from a small patch, typically near the top of the fruit, to most of the fruit’s surface, the latter being less common. Russeting is natural and does not harm the quality or taste of the fruit.
In apples, russeting typically occurs in heirloom varieties, such as Gravensteins, Pippins, and Jonathans. There are also apples that are named for this characteristic texture, including Roxbury Russets, Egremont Russets, Merton Russets, and many more.
Why do some apples brown when cut?
Some apples tend to turn a brown color within minutes of exposing the flesh to air. This change in color is commonly called oxidative or enzymatic browning and is caused by a chemical reaction. The enzyme that causes browning after slicing the apple flesh is polyphenol oxidase. To slow browning, cut apples can be dipped in lemon or lime juice, or soaked in salted water for 10 seconds or ginger ale for 10 minutes.
Apple varieties that are less prone to browning:
Ambrosia
Autumn Crisp
Blondee
Cripps Pink (Pink Lady)
Cortland
Empire
Gala
Granny Smith
Royal Court Cortland
SnowSweet
Apple varieties that brown quickly:
Fuji
McIntosh
Red & Golden Delicious
Zestar