From Orchard to Plate at Whistling Well Farm

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Apple lovers have it good in Minnesota during autumn! The soil and climate in our state is ripe for growing this popular fruit, and lucky for us, fall is when they start hitting the shelves. Many of the local apples you find at the co-op this time of year come from one of our handful of trusted orchard partners, Whistling Well.

Minnesota apples are one of fall’s greatest treats!

Orchard History

This family-owned farm in Hastings, founded by Carol and Charlie Johnson and sons Chad and Neal, planted their first apple trees back in 1980. Today they grow many of your favorite Minnesota varieties, like Haralson, SnowSweet, Honeycrisp, and SweeTango. Whether you’re looking for the perfect snacking apple or the right apples for baking the best pie, Whistling Well has you covered!

Co-owner Charlie helped plant Whistling Well’s first trees back in 1980.

If you’re wondering where the name Whistling Well comes from, it’s quite literal: the farm’s wishing well whistles when the wind hits it just right. If you visit the farm, be sure to toss a coin and make a wish. All coins collected are matched by the farm and donated to the University of MN Masonic Children’s Hospital Nurses Fund, which helps families with expenses not covered by insurance. To date, they’ve donated over $12,000. That’s a lot of coins!

 

Visit The Orchard

There are many other great reasons to make a trip out to Hastings this fall to visit Whistling Well. They offer apple picking, which is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful St. Croix river valley foliage on a sunny afternoon. Visiting in October? They also grow and sell pumpkins for carving and decoration. Weekends regularly feature live music in the barn and even a food truck or two. Kids will love feeding the chickens and goats. And be sure to stop in the country store on your way out to browse their selection of local farm goods like preserves, maple syrup, and pumpkin butter. Yum!

Resident farm dog Emmy has her own stuffies and illustrated kids’ books that your littles will love. Look for them at the farm or at the co-op this gift-giving season!

Grilled Apple & Gouda Sandwich

If reading about Whistling Well has you craving apples, try this elevated grilled cheese featuring local apples and smoky gouda! It’s the perfect fall comfort food for laid-back gatherings or family dinners.

Grilled Apple Gouda Sandwich