September 23rd, 2011

T.S. Smith & Sons, Oldest Apple Orchard in Delaware, Delaware’s Only Solar Powered Century Farm, Apples, Pumpkins, Bridgeville, Delaware, Hello Autumn!!

I have been so hooked on Gala apples for months.  I do love them.  But, I was just introduced to an apple called the Jonagold.  It is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Jonathan apple.  Jonathan apples are known to be tart; the result is that combination of sweet/tart.

So, my post on Friday, on that first day of Autumn, will start with my experience visiting the State of Delaware’s oldest apple orchard.  T.S. Smith & Sons is located on Redden Rd., in the town of Bridgeville, Delaware, home of Rappa Scrapple.  Another of my favorites.

I got an e-mail from Greer, who works for T.S. Smith & Sons.  She invited me to visit this progressive farm that has been in existence since 1907.   You can find them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/tssmithandsons, on twitter as tssfarms; their website will be launched very soon.

It was a really scenic drive.  From Rehoboth I took off towards Georgetown, DE,and from there north on 113, a left on Redden Rd.  If you recognize the name Redden is because Redden State Forest is Delaware’s largest state forest, located right here, in central Sussex County.  It is massive and historic.

Greer and Charlie were waiting for me.  Then, she sent us off to explore.

It was beautiful at the farm.  I was so lucky to have Charlie all to myself.  He is Charlie Smith, one of the sons.  Only someone who has lived in the farm and knows it inside and out can give you the kind of tour that comes from the heart.  As I heard him talk about the farm, all I could think was; if you have a passion you will never work a day in your life.

I think I met my match.  He could talk as much as I could.  Then, we stopped in front of a tractor. He said this is a 1953. Well, I don’t get that excited about tractors except that this is one of two orchard sprayers and vintage tractors still in use at the farm.  For over 50 years helping the farm and still valued and used today.

Let me tell you about T. S. Smith & Sons:

It was established in 1907. It is Delaware’s oldest apple orchard and the only one in Sussex County.   I was amazed to find out that in 1938 Delaware had 92 apple producers.  Now there are only 2.  This farm being one of them.

Some of the apple trees are over 40 years old.  Check the trunk on this one.

It is also Delaware’s only solar powered century farm.  Conversion of power supply to solar in order to use renewable energy for cold storage, which consumes largest amount of electricity on the farm.  The company used?  Solair, a Delaware based company who designed and installed Delaware made solar panels.

The farm is also located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  A stream that runs through the farm is a tributary of the headwaters of the Nanticoke River.  Many Nanticoke Indian artifacts were found along this stream and are all at Delaware Tech in Georgetown, Delaware.

Charlie's picture

The water was so clear I had to take some pictures.

T.S. Smith & Sons was one of the first broiler producers in the state.  It started not long after the poultry industry took hold in Sussex County.   Remnants of the poultry industry still exist on the farm.  One of the WWII era chicken houses is still standing, and in need of help.  In those times the family that tended the chickens lived on the second floor of the chicken house; the feed was kept directly below the family, on the first floor.  Sorry, I forgot to take pictures.

The chicken houses were built by German Prisoners of War during WWII with wood from the farm.  An effort to save the historic chicken house still standing is underway.  After the war ended letters from several POW’s were received by the family.  Those letters are still in existence.

The other chicken house is pretty much gone but still on the property.  The family is still waiting to see if at some point it can be removed from the farm.

Instead of burning apple trees that have been removed, apple wood is available for sale.

They continue to expand their use of water conservation measures, such as trickle or drip irrigation.

TSS practices farming methods aimed at soil conservation, such as no till farming and crop rotation.  Land in critical areas has been taken out of production and allowed to grow naturally.

Baskets, crates and other items are reused rather than sold or thrown out.

This year they are encouraging to use reusable shopping bags.

Much of the farm machinery is kept in service rather than scrapped.

Besides apples, this farm produces sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, squash, zucchini, lima beans, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkins and asparagus.  Orchards produce many varieties of peaches, and nectarines.

soybeans

Charlie took me through the fields of asparagus.  These and the rest of the crops are picked by hand.

We went all over the place, stopping here or there to pick a certain type of apple, or for me to snap a picture.  Then, he took me to the family’s home, which was built in the 1800’s.  Unfortunaly, his dad, Walt Smith, passed away just recently leaving a big hole in his heart.  The farm house was in perfect shape. 

Charlie told me that just 2 years ago he planted honeycrisp apples.  You really don’t see them in the grocery stores that much.  Honeycrisps were developed at the University of Minnesota in 1974. 

We then stopped at the apple packing house.  It is over 80 years old and serves as the farm market.  Its apple grading equipment is also historic.  The equipment itself was produced by a company owned by the family.  It is an example of automation in the apple industry for that time.

Some of their employees have over 50 years with the company; six have over 30 years; meet Ashley.

If you are within 45 minutes radius of the farm, you are most likely going to be be able to get their produce.  But, the best part is really coming right to the farm in Bridgeville, like I did. 

This farm has a unique natural features and offers an authentic working farm experience like no other in the area and possibly the state.  Its reputation is for quality and value.

You can find them in at their Lewes store, right on Savannah Rd.  The Beach Market is open daily from 9 – 6 p.m.

You can also find them at the Farmers’ Markets in Milton and Seaford.

Right near the farm, on Redden Rd. and Rt. 13 there is a site of you pick pumpkin patch and headquarters for you pick fruit.  Pumpkins are ready for picking this week-end.

You can pick your own apples and pumkins through October.  June and July are for peaches and nectarines.  Mark your calendar for next year’s picking.

A produce market has also been opened in Historic Easton, Maryland in the Easton Market House.  It opens Wednesdays – Saturdays.

They participate in farm-to-table events that promote their brand as well as the restaurants who serve their produce.  They also participate in Farm to School Programs.

They have also partnered with smaller producers, that have local honey, jams, jellies, gourmet rice pudding, flowers and produce they do not grow.  This partnership enhances their offerings and supports smaller businesses.

The farm is open to school tours, group tours, and private picking events.  Just call 302-337-8271.

On the Calendar:

October 14th – Apple Dessert Baking Contest.  Call for more info.

October 15th – Apple Scrapple on the Farm.  Lots of fun stuff.  You can enjoy everything they will offer on that day and even take the bus to the festival.

December 3rd – Holiday Open House

I hope I got everything.  Charlie gave me donuts made at the farm and Suzie, his sister had apple cakes for sale, as well.

Thanks Ruth for helping me.  You were so gracious.

And, I really also want to thank Greer.  Anyone out there reading this post that would like more information and would like talks about farming, produce, etc. etc. give her a call.

Note:  T. S. Smith & Sons is a member of the Delaware Agritourism Harvest Trail.  The purpose of this association is to showcase selected working Delaware Farms that provide an array of authentic farm experiences.  For more info. please visit www.delawareagritourism.org.

I can’t explain it, but I did smile all the way home.  I know, it was the friendly company, the farm; everything it stands for, and just being outdoors.

“We hope that individuals, groups, and families will visit the farm and make a memory here.”   t.s. smith & sons

June 25th, 2011

White Corn, Freeman’s Corn, 2011 Summer’s Bounty, Delaware Beaches, It is Here!!

I got a text message telling me that Freeman’s corn was in.  Out the door, in the car and off to the corner of Robinsonville and Plantation Rds.  This road is Rt. 1D, which is parallel to Rt. 1.

From a distance I spotted the white tent.  As I got out of the car a lady said “it is a fine day when we see this tent go up”.   I couldn’t agree more.  The tent protects the workers and the corn from the sun and heat.  They even had their oriental rug on the ground.

Those orange bins were full to capacity with corn.  They had the white and the white and yellow combined.  I favor the white.

First thing they asked was if I was sending corn to Puerto Rico this year.  That was an expensive package.  I don’t know. 

These guys are so friendly.  Freeman’s is a family owned business.

All produce was just picked.  The green beans were beautiful; tender and sweet.

The white eggplant, which I only saw for the first time last year, was back.  Sweeter than the regular eggplant; a thicker skin.

Zuchinni was almost gone.

Tomorrow might bring tomatoes to the tent. 

I love making conversation with the people in line.  Yes, summer is definitely here, and 2011 summer’s bounty has made its entrance.

 Note:  The first thing I did when I got home was peel one corn and take a bite from it raw.  It was so sweet; priceless. 

Have a good one!!…Talk to you later…

June 23rd, 2011

Di Bruno Bros., Italian Market, Center City, Philadelphia, In the heart of the City

I had heard it before; Philadelphia has a reputation for culinary excellence; the immigrant population having contributed to a large mixture of tastes.

I read a paragraph by Mark Glickman who wrote The Foods of Philadelphia and he described it best.  You can find representations of these foods (soft pretzel, Philly Cheese Steak), elsewhere.  But, only in Philadelphia and its environs can you find the real thing.  You might get a soft pretzel at a mall in Cincinnati, or a Philly Cheese Steak at a cafe in California and wonder “What’s the big deal?  Come to Philadelphia, and you will find out.

It is definitely different and I am enjoying learning about it. 

In my last post I told you that there was more walking to be done.  Leaving Parc located at Rittenhouse Square we kept on a good pace but something caught my attention when a door opened.  I was not even paying attention, but the produce looked beautiful.  Of course, we had to go in.  What a surprise!!  What a market!!  Thank God I had just eaten, and thank God I was walking and could not carry anything else with me.  Otherwise, watch out!!

This was Di Bruno Bros., located at 1730 Chestnut St., Tel. 215-665-9220.  Website?  www.dibruno.com/locations/rittenhousesquare.

Yes, in Center City, in the heart of Philadelphia.  The original Italian market opened in 1939 at 930 S. 9th St. and it is still standing there.

This market is unreal and so is the service.  I noticed the regular customers were known by name.  I was just absorbing it all. 

Here are some of the pictures I took. 

Prepared Foods

Beef Department

The biggest cheese section I have ever seen with cheeses from all over the world.

Olive Oils to pick and choose.

Did not know that there were so many bitters.

Smoked Salmon

Hams and sausages

Breads

The Bakery?  Cookies, Tarts, Cakes and Pies

Are you hungry yet?  You know, on this particular post, it was best to be somewhat quiet and let the pictures do the talking.  No way I could have explained all of this in simple words.

 P.S.  They also do catering.

Have a good one….got to go to my daily trip to Giant in Rehoboth Beach…. talk to you later….Chifa and the Food Trucks are still to come….

May 11th, 2011

Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Rehoboth Beach, Vendors, Delaware Beaches, 5th Season, Tuesdays, Noon – 4:00 p.m., Rain or Shine, Delaware Beaches

I strolled yesterday, just like everyone else through the tent lined street in Grove Park.  This is the home for the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market who is celebrating its 5th season.  And, every Tuesday, rain or shine, from Noon until 4:00 p.m. you will find the locals, residents and visitors purchasing, organic produce, food, flowers, baked goods and at times live entertainment, as well.  On a beautiful day like yesterday, it was priceless.

Grove Park is a wooded corner in Rehoboth that is located adjacent to the Lighthouse Circle, right by the roundabout.  It has a Tot Lot and benches to sit and rest or get a little shade when the summer weather heats up.

The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market has a website; http://www.rbfarmersmarket.com.  

There is free parking available on Henlopen Avenue, Columbia Avenue and Sussex St. and Felton Street.  Otherwise, you will have to feed the meter in a few weeks.

This is the second week for the Farmers’ Market.  Other farmers’ markets at the beaches are starting pretty soon.

Just like the traditional “mercados” found in cities throughout the world, growers sell their produce directly to the public.  You can even have lunch at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market.  Some vendors have pick up delicacies.  For example, Yolanda from Mariachi which is located at Wilmington Ave. had Arroz con Pollo, Papusas, Tamales among other things.  Mariachi’s website is www.mariachirehobothde.com.

Shopping at farmers’ markets has become a weekly ritual for a lot of us that want to have fresh and local produce.  It is great to engage in conversation with some of the farmers.

The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market has about 25 vendors.  To see the complete list, please visit www.rbfarmersmarket.com/vendors.html.   There are a few new ones but all the old standbys are there, as well.

So, as I strolled these vendors got me interested.  Their produce looked beautiful.

From Deep Grass Nurseries, a certified organic farm in Sussex County, Delaware.

From Kennet Square the mushroom from Davidson Exotic Mushrooms.  Kennet Square, PA is known as mushroom capital of the U.S.

Jimmy Lynn’s Seafood, Home of the Crab with Attitude and one of my favorites in the area had beautiful seafood.

Breads from Koglers Old World Breads made in Ellendale, Delaware

Backyard Jams and Jellies

Cleckner Family Farm Eggs are from Bivalve, Maryland.  Hormone free, chemical free and healthy range chickens.  They are a “Community Supported Agriculture”.  CSA is usually an organic vegetable farm where one pays a fee to join and then gets a share of the crops throughout the season.  For more info. please visit www.clecknerfarm.com.

I had not seen Skipper’s All Natural Crunchy Dog Treats before.  They are made in Lewes, Delaware and are all natural pet treats and all natural pet products.  They also have custom orders, personalized birthday, holiday and forever home gifts.  They are on Facebook and their website is www.skipperscompany.com.

Fifer Orchards are favorites at the Delaware Beaches.  www.fiferorchards.com

I met Victoria who is the owner and baker from Olivia’s Breads & Alden’s Desserts.  These are her kids’ names.  Her love of baking natural and delicious treats started a long time ago with the dietary requirements of her grandmother.  The rest is history.  If you need gluten free, sugar free, etc. etc. just give her a couple of days notice.  Her website is www.oliviasbreads.com. Toll free is 1-855-424-4395.

Nuts to You had beautiful nuts.  They also had “butters”; Almond, Peanut, Pecan and Walnut.

Pasqualinis Bakery is in downtown Rehoboth beach on 375 Atlantic Ave.  Website? www.pasqualinis.com.

Kettle Korn is lightly salty and somewhat sweet.  Perfect combination.  You will find it towards the end of the tents.

Susie Sunshine Organic Sprouts had plenty of samples for tastings.

Yes, it was certainly nice.  I know I missed some of the vendors.  There is always next time.  I hope you get to visit some of these farmers’ markets in our Delaware Beaches.  It is worth it!!

Have a great day!!  Talk to you later…