Farming Seva - Sep 7

Apple season is here!

In spite of uncooperative weather, equipment failures, and a company that produced a necessary product for our fly traps going out of business, our apple trees have produced a reasonably good crop. Harvesting of apples has started, and will be in full swing within the next few weeks! Many boxes will be needed to store and transport the apples and later, the fall pears which ripen in October. Please keep us in mind if you are shopping at Costco, and bring us some boxes!

Last year's success has brought about an interest in our produce, particularly the fall (Bosc) pears and the Wealthy apple cultivar. We already have four individuals each requesting a bushel of Bosc pears and many others are asking when the pears will be ready. Requests have also been made for our Wealthy apples. When made into applesauce, these apples have a delicious strawberry/apple flavour.  As a result of this increased interest, we have decided to take orders for the Bosc pears and Wealthy apples, and will distribute them in the order that the requests are received. We have only five trees of Wealthy apples and also a limited amount of Bosc pears, so there is a limit of 10 lbs per family for the Wealthy apples and a maximum of one bushel of Bosc pears (approx 48 lbs) per family.  Of course, smaller amounts can also be ordered. Please contact Brian, Pauline or Daya to place your order or email ammatoronto@ammagroups.org. Both the apples and pears are selling for $2/lb. This is a great deal for organically grown fruit!

We are currently selling Prima apples. These apples ripen early and are a fresh, vibrant eating apple similar to Macintosh. The flesh is juicy with a balanced mild low acid flavour. They can be kept for about one month in a refrigerator and become sweeter in storage.

Our next major harvest will be Liberty apples. These apples are beautiful with almost purple skin and creamy, sweet flesh that's delicious eaten raw. They are sought after by those who make applesauce as they require very little cooking and when stirred dissolve into applesauce that has a perfect consistency without using a blender or food mill. So far these apples have not grabbed the attention of most people, however, once they do, they will also be in high demand!

As usual, there will be various sevas happening inside and outside at the Farm this Saturday, September 7 between 10 AM - 4 PM (orchard seva starts at 11 AM), so please come and give us a helping hand! A light lunch will be provided. If you will be joining for lunch, please inform Pauline or email ammatoronto@ammagroups.org. Our vegetable & fruit sales table is open for business every Saturday between 1 - 4 PM. Keeping the environment in mind, please remember to bring your own reusable shopping bags.

If you have questions, please contact Brian or email ammatoronto@ammagroups.org

Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu