When We are Open
Reminder on our days and hours: Open 9 am to 6 pm every day, including holidays. Closed Tuesdays. To call us with an order or a question: 269-244-5690.
Happenings on the Farm
This was a busy week putting stakes in the ground for our field tomatoes which as you can see below are thriving (of course, they are heat loving plants!)
We finally got everything planted this week, including replanting the cucumbers for the third time as we lost the previous plantings to May frost. With this heat streak we are having—we think these plants will catch up soon in growth.
You may be noticing this in your own gardens and yards, the heat seems to be bringing out every insect to munch on your vegetable plants. This week we were visited by the Colorado potato beetle, which attacked our eggplant, hard to believe they can do this much damage in just 1 day.
Most of our days were spent harvesting strawberries, which will be a constant for the next 10 to 14 days.
Plants for Your Garden
We still have a few remaining plants, and they are buy one, get one free including hanging baskets. Now is the time to tuck in a few more veggies and flowers … or replace ones that got hit by the frost or eaten by a critter. (Note: Greens bowls and basil plants are the only ones that are not B1G1).
On The Market
Asparagus. Last call for asparagus! When what we have is sold it will be gone for the season.
Rhubarb. Gone for the season.
Greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers. Tomatoes are sold pre-packed in a 2-pound box. See clerk for smaller amounts. Cucumbers are limited right now due to the May frost.
Herbs. We have some herbs ready to pick now in the herb garden, see the list on our blackboard on the market. (Chives, some cilantro, some basil, tarragon, some mint, sage, and lavender.)
Kale and Broccoli: We are starting to pick now for the season.
Sprouting Cauliflower—Fioretto. Try our new cauliflower! This sweet and tender, light green stems with white florets are ideal for light cooking or serving raw for dipping.
Bankson Lake Farms Produce. Dan will be bringing us fresh lettuce mix, mushrooms, green onions, spinach, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, and garlic scapes this weekend.
Grocery Items. Assortment of local cheese, yogurt, eggs, jam, jelly, salsa, maple syrup, honey, and more.
Strawberry Update
Our strawberries are just starting – today is our second day of picking. Now that we are picking, we see that our early berries were impacted by the May frosts more than we projected. This means we have about 30% fewer berries than normal. We are picking limited quantities of the early berries to sell by the quart on the market. We are hoping for higher yields when we get into our mid and late season berries. If this heat continues, it will shorten the season as the berries will ripen quickly. There are no ‘cash and carry’ flats available yet until we fulfill the preorders.
Already Picked Pricing: $5 a quart; $36 a flat when ordered in advance
U-Pick Pricing: $3.50 a quart; $3 a quart for 8 quarts or more
U-Pick Strawberries
We will be opening the strawberry field for u-pick starting the week of June 14th. New this year we are implementing a reservation system for those who want to pick. We are doing this to avoid crowds, lines to get into the field, and to be sure there are berries when you come, and we are not already picked out.
You will need to go to our website or Facebook page to reserve a date and time. See the latest strawberry update on the home page of our website. (hyperlink). There is no fee. You only pay for the strawberries that you pick.
We will only post a few days out at a time. In addition to your contact information, the system will ask you how many individuals in your group are picking and the approximate number of quarts you plan to pick.
Please check back for additional days and times as we will continue to open new slots based on the weather and the number of strawberries available to pick. If you need assistance, please contact us at (269) 244-5690.
Bakery
Donuts. We make fresh donuts on Saturday and Sunday – the current flavors are Buttermilk, Cherry, and Blueberry. We are also making our homemade strawberry shortcakes to take with your strawberries, and yes, there is vanilla ice cream in the freezer and whipped cream in the market fridge.
Fruit Pies. This year our pies are frozen “take and bake” only; we no longer offer “ready to eat” pies. Having them frozen allows us to offer a full variety of pies every day the market is open, not just on weekends. If you are driving far, bring a cooler or insulated freezer bag. The pies are simple to bake, take about an hour, ready to bake when you need them, and give your house a mouthwatering aroma! So far customers are liking this better. The pies are hot right out of your oven, plus extra pies can be tucked in the freezer for that time when you need a dessert! Baking directions are included on each pie.
Pie Varieties: Apple, Dutch Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Cherry Berry, Peach, Rhubarb, and Strawberry-Rhubarb.
Slushies. With the heat of summer already here, enjoy a nice cold slushie! We have Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry-Mango mix, or Cider.
Our current bakery plans if you missed it in an earlier email can be found on our website:
Baked Goods – Corey Lake Orchards – Three Rivers, Michigan
Baked Goods from Yoder’s
We are offering additional homemade baked goods from Yoder’s Country Store.
- Each day the market is open – cookies and breads.
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only – Amish fry pies and cinnamon rolls
Amish Fry Pies (pocket-sized, half circle pie): Apple, Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Lemon, Peach, Red Raspberry, Strawberry-Rhubarb
Breads (pre-sliced, ready to use!): Dill, English Muffin, Italian Cheese, Jalapeno Cheddar, Multigrain, Raisin Cinnamon, and Sourdough
Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese icing
Cookies: Chocolate Chip, Molasses, Oatmeal Raisin, Oatmeal Sandwich, Peanut Butter, Sugar Cookies, and Whoopi Pies
Spirits, Wine, and Hard Ciders
We have a nice selection of alcohol produced on the farm.
- Fruit brandy in 375ml and 750ml sizes
- 2 sweet wines – Double Cherry and Peach and Honey. Look for several drier wines coming soon!
- Hard cider in 12-ounce bottles. You can purchase them individually or mix and match them in a discounted 4- or 6-pack.
Strawberry Hard Cider. Enjoy one of our cold strawberry hard ciders this weekend! This is a semi-dry fruity cider that we know you will love!
Visit us at local Farmer’s Markets
We participate in two local farmer’s markets. Please stop by and check out our items. See schedules and addresses for both locations. \https://coreylakeorchards.
COVID-19 Guidelines
We are following operational guidance from the CDC as well as State and local health rules. We are an open-air market and masks are optional though we encourage you to wear them if you have not been vaccinated. Our staff has been vaccinated and are not required to wear masks. Please note that we also follow food safety rules that regulate how produce is harvested and packaged.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for shopping local.
From everyone at Corey Lake Orchards