Fall fruit shares are now available for purchase in the Stearns Farm online store. Beginning Sept. 11, 2018, fruit share participants will receive a 1/2 peck of fresh picked fruit (4-5 pounds, depending on the fruits included) on their pickup day each week until October 19.
Shares highlight the wide range of fruits grown at the orchard and enable members to sample a good selection of apples, including some antique as well as modern varieties. Autumn Hills Orchard, which has partnered with us to provide these fruit shares for more than a decade, offers information on its online CSA page about its varieties, along with tips for using the fruit.
A fruit share costs $60.00, and you must be a Stearns Farm CSA member to purchase one. If you are not a member, you can add the $10 membership fee when placing your order. Please note that unlike with our vegetable shares, Autumn Hills Orchard cannot accommodate changes in pick-up schedules. If you have a veggie share and change the day of your pickup, your fruit share will be held for you until your next regular pickup day.
Autumn Hills Orchard is located in historic Groton, Mass. about 35 miles northwest of Framingham. The farm produces over 25 varieties of apples, as well as peaches, pears, plums, grapes and raspberries. For many years, Autumn Hills has enjoyed partnering with Stearns Farm and other local CSAs to provide weekly shares in September/October.
The orchard employs Integrated Pest Management techniques to grow high quality fruit for pick your own visitors, wholesale customers and CSA subscribers. The farm is open in September and October for “pick your own.” CSA customers who visit during that time will receive a special welcome and tour.
