Life is just a Bowl Full of Cherries!
I wish, this year we are feeling that it is more a bowl full of pits! Our disappointment with the crop failure is now a reality and we are learning […]
Author: courtney
The Arrival of the Bees!
After the warm 80 degree days of mid March, an emergency call was made to bring the bees up from their Florida winter residence early. They arrived at 7:30PM on […]
Weather Challenges
The weather this year has been pretty far from the norm. I have delayed in commenting because it is so hard to predict how this will turn out. Monday night […]
Feedback From Frozen Customers
We have recently received a few e-mails that we would like to share with everyone. From: The Smiths We recently purchased tart cherries from you and they arrived promptly, just […]
February is National Cherry Month
Why February for National Cherry Month? That is a common question that I hear from my customers? Now, I’m not an expert but I have been around for 30 years […]
Winter News
Hello everyone! Even though it is winter we are still here on the farm and working hard. 🙂 The winter is progressing and so is our new building. We are […]
Frozen Cherry Shipping Has Begun!
Winter has finally arrived here in Northern Michigan so that means that we can start shipping our frozen cherries! Click on the link below and watch the video for information, […]
Jingle Bells, the orchards smells, turkey pooh is on the way
Several years back we were put in touch with a large turkey farm near Grand Rapids that sells the giant double semi trailer loads of manure. Around here we call […]
Old Vs. New
I had been lobbying Jim for a few months to buy a new Orchard tractor. I don’t spend many hours in the tractor seat anymore. but I do still plant […]
The secret is out!!
The Detroit Free Press found out my secret that adding dried cherries to a recipe of traditional bread stuffing upgrades it and makes it “cool”. I like to add a […]
AARP Recommends Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate!
Check out the article AARP published about “10 Home Remedies That Work”. Tart cherry juice concentrate’s benefits are highlighted in #3! Click to view the AARP Magazine article
Fall Update!
It has been a busy fall at Kings! We made it through another Applefest in Charlevoix, despite the wind and rain. All of the apples are now officially off the […]
Honeycrisp Time!
The time all apple lovers have been waiting for is here! Honeycrisp apples are ready and available in the fruitstands! We also have Gingergold, McIntosh, and Gala apples available. Cortlands […]
Cherry juice concentrate price increase
We have raised the price of tart cherry juice concentrate for the first time in many years. We are going to $16.99/quart. This is a steep increase. We had a […]
Bartlett Pears, Bosc Pears, and Stanley Plums
We really have a nice crop of pears this year. The Bartletts are in right now and they are large size and real nice. We will start the Bosc pears […]
Upick apples
The M88 apple block has been laid out with u-pick in mind, and we have promoted our u-pick for several years. However, as the apples on the M-88 farm began […]
McIntosh are IN!
The first of the McIntosh apples just started coming in today! We also still have Gingergolds available, however not for too much longer so get ’em while they’re still around! […]
Labor Day U-Pick
We are looking forward to a busy weekend ahead. The main question we have been getting- “What will you have for u-pick?” Raspberry picking will be strong this weekend. There […]
APPLES!
This fall weather means its apple season! Today, I had my first apple of the season and it was everything I have been waiting for- juicy, crisp, and sweet! We […]
Late August Fruit Roundup
Betsy and I just completed a lap of the orchard and I felt I better report. Red Havens are taking their time getting ripe. We will start on Monday or […]
August in the Market
The fruit stands are running out of table space because of all the fresh produce we have in right now! The markets have been taken over with the smell of […]
‘Cot Week!
Things have been very busy at the farm lately. We are moving into our peak week for apricots! The trees and our coolers are loaded. We have them available for […]
Tart Time!
We are coming to the last few days of sweet cherry picking. Tomorrow is the last day for picking at the M 88 market. We have a later variety (the […]
Biggest Black Sweet Cherries Ever!!!
What a pick your own cherry season it has been already! We have never seen U-pickers so happy with their fruit! The good news for this season is that these […]
SWEET CHERRIES!
The time is here! King Orchards’ sweet cherry season has officially started! This is the best crop we have had in years! We have cherries in the market for sale […]
John’s comments, Really nice looking cherry crop
The sweet cherries have finally begun to turn color and we can get excited about the upcoming sweet cherry season. The crows are getting in the act and we have […]
Daisy Had Puppies!!
Many of you know Daisy, the King family’s Bernese Mountain dog that can be found wandering around the farm and market. As of June 8th, Daisy is the proud mother […]
Getting Ready for Cherry Season!
The markets are starting to prepare for the busy season ahead! Our cherry crop should be very good this year! We are looking at the sweet cherry crop starting around […]
Tricia’s Asparagus Soup Recipe
Start with 1 lb of asparagus. Rinse thoroughly. Cut about an inch from woody ends, and toss them into a cup or so of chicken broth. Simmer while you do […]
Fruitstand Update & Top Ten Ways to Eat Asparagus
We’re still in the thick of asparagus season. Stop by the M-88 or US-31 markets from 9 until 6, and pick up a pound or ten of these fresh, delicious […]
Asparagus in the Markets
Asparagus is here and it is AWESOME!!!! Stop in to see us at M-88 or US-31 Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm and on Sunday from 12-4pm. Hope to see you!
Tart cherry juice: mixing and serving suggestions
New to drinking cherry juice? Here is a brief introduction to mixing and enjoying delicious 100% Montmorency tart cherry juice. Getting Started: Cherry juice concentrate should be refrigerated upon arrival. […]
Planting apples 2011
Watch the video:
New news on research!
There’s a new press release at UofMHealth.org describing findings of Dr. Bolling’s Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. Their studies report on the benefits of including cherries in the diet: reduction of […]
Sweet and Spicy Seared Tuna with Cherry Cabbage Recipe
Powered by Red Contest Winner -Jaime Brown-Miller, Napa, CA Ingredients: Tuna: 1/4 cup tart cherry juice 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 tablespoons chili paste (sirracha) 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 […]
Cherry Blues Steak Pizza Recipe
1- 12-inch Pre-baked pizza crust 1/2 cup Dried tart cherries Butter 1 1/2 cups Onion, sliced thin 2 1/2 cups Baby portobello mushrooms, sliced thin 1 tablespoon Olive oil 1 […]
Cherry-Ana Breakfast Shake Recipe
Start the New Year off right with a delicious, healthy breakfast shake, featuring frozen tart cherries. Montmorency and Balaton tart cherries would both be wonderful in this recipe. Ingredients: 4 […]
Frozen Montmorency Tart Cherries Customer Feedback
Dear Betsy, I don’t normally send email to companies about their products, but your frozen Montmorency cherries are out of this world! I placed my first order last Wednesday and […]
Still Apple Season!
Our markets are full of quality apples. It is the time of the year to visit and stock up for winter. Here are a couple of enticements! Jonagolds 1/2 bushels […]
Apple Fest
Charlevoix Apple Fest is this coming week-end, Oct 8 9 and 10. We will line the main street with apples and apple goodies. The town is packed and fun is […]
Honeycrisp in XXL
The Honeycrisp are beautiful! Apple season is coming so fast. We have in the market McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Mutsu, Jonagold, Northern Spy, Bosc Pears and Stanley Prune Plums. Squash, cornstalks, […]
Picking is going quick!
Yes, our apple u-pick is going quick. With the combination of an early season and not as many apples as usual the season for apple picking will probably only last […]
U-PICK APPLES
U-pick is available for Zestar, Gingergold, and Premiere Honeycrisp.
Nonny’s Apple Cake Recipe
Yep, it’s baking time. And I bought too many apples, because that good lookin’ $12 half bushel of Ginger Golds from King Orchards was IRRESISTIBLE. Here’s my favorite apple cake […]
It feels like fall!
The temperatures have dropped and I’m hankering for an apple! Football, cool weather, and labor day makes it feel like fall. This summer was so warm and wonderful but I’m […]
Beautiful Baker’s Blueberry Birthday Breakfast
Please bear with me and today’s overly-alliterated blog post. When Lexi (Bakin’ Girl) was a baby, one of the first books we read to her was The Berenstain Bears “B” […]
Ginger gold apples are in!
Yes, the ginger gold apples are in the market. They are firm and delicious. We have great quality and everyone from Josh in the truck to Eric in the shop […]
Temps cooled but not our sale!
We still have our 1/2 bushel of red haven peaches sale going on for a few more days! Everyone is loving the nectarines. Raspberries are back and easy to pick. […]
Michigan Peach Berry Crisp Recipe
Just read a wonderful article on delectable Michigan peaches in The Detroit News, along with a simple recipe for Peach Berry Crisp using Michigan peaches and berries. You can also […]
Blueberry Cream Pie Recipe – It’s easy!
Put 1 quart of Michigan blueberries in a deep dish pie crust. Combine: 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup flour 1/4 tsp. nutmeg pinch of salt Add: 1 tsp. vanilla 1 […]
August Update
John’s sweetcorn is in and it is AWESOME! Our pickles are coming in by the 1/2 bushel. Come in or call to reserve yours. Garnet Beauty peaches are being picked. […]
Pickling Cukes
PICKLES ARE IN!
Peaches and Apricots
Apricots are beautiful! Peak u-pick for the next couple of days. Apricots will be in the market for a good two weeks. Peaches —-Garnet Beauty, the semi cling peach is […]
Summer Vegetables.
There are so many vegetables in the market this time of year. It’s heaven for a vegetarian like me! We get some of our vegetables from Bay City, MI, but […]
Cherry Bounce Recipe
Ingredients: 8 c. (2 lbs.) fresh tart cherries, unpitted 2 c. sugar or 1 lb. sugar cubes 4 c. vodka or brandy or bourbon 1 1/2 tsp whole allspice (optional) […]
” I know by the way she spoke to me that the dried tart cherries were a better gift than flowers!”
Rosemarie “Thank you so much for sending my order to my mother. She called me this Wednesday morning to tell me that my surprise order arrived in beautiful condition. She […]
Monday 7/12 Update
This week we are picking Balaton tart cherries. If you want to make cherry bounce this year these are the cherries you want to use. We are picking with the […]
What’s Happening this Week?
Things have been so busy in the market! Our sweet cherry u-pick crop has been small, but it’s lasted through the 4th of July weekend, which is very good. We […]
Fruitstand Gossip
Things have been getting very busy around the fruit stand. We are still u-picking sweet cherries. We will be u-picking until atleast Tuesday, possibly longer. We will keep you updated […]
U-Pick Update
U-pick is now in full swing here at the orchard. We opened up apricot picking this morning and they are delicious! We just started on a few trees today, but […]
Managing a short crop
I have been riding through the sweet cherries this afternoon trying to get together a plan to manage u-pick. The crop is very short. The early May frost damaged almost […]
“Meg’s Market Update”
Hey there! It’s Megan, Betsy and John’s niece. I’m going to be taking over the blog a little, along with Courtney and a few of the other “fruit stand girls”, […]
Sunday 6-20
Happy Father’s day! Strawberries over ice cream for everyone! In the market: the strawberries are beautiful and big, great time to put some in the freezer. Asparagus all gone for […]
update sat 6-19
Today strawberries in the market and last day for asparagus. Lots of call about u-pick. We will keep people posted on the blog each day. Today it looks like we […]
quick update
David called and reminded me to UPDATE! thanks Dave from GR. He was most interested in apricots. I’m looking for them to ripen towards the end of July. Most of […]
My farthest away customer!
Message for Betsy – Hi, it’s Meredith, Nan’s Los Angeles daughter. Just wanted you to know I stopped in yesterday on the way to the airport and grabbed a big […]
Michigan Boston Cooler Recipe
Simple and fun for the whole family. Ingredients: 8 oz. Vernor’s ginger ale 1 scoop vanilla ice cream 1 tsp. tart cherry juice concentrate Blend well and serve in a […]
Tart Cherry Bloom Report
Tart cherry bloom has come early this year! If you are thinking about a drive to northern Michigan to witness the spectacular tart cherry blossoms, don’t hesitate to make it […]
Personal Cherry Pie Recipe
Andy Ross of the Cherry Blossom Festival shares his personal size cherry pie recipe featuring King Orchards IQF Montmorency tart cherries. This recipe makes six personal size cherry pies. (5 […]
Power Berry Trail Mix Snack Cookie Recipe
A super mix of nutrients, perfect for a simple grab-and-go snack, lunchbox treats or breakfast on the go. Ingredients: 1 1/2 c dried tart cherries 3/4 c toasted almonds 2 […]
Early spring
This prolonged warm weather is very scary for fruit growers. Fruit buds are moving along slowly. We don’t know how much they have advanced yet but with each warm day […]
catalogs and the landfill
Hello, Today I am writing about a little crusade I have taken up. It seems that I get piles and piles of catalogs in the mail. Most of them go […]
Pickling Cucumbers
Kate “I always stop at your stand on my way to visit family from Grand Rapids to Charlevoix. Sometimes it’s cherries, other times peaches, usually a pie. Last August (I […]
I.Q.F. cherries
I.Q.F. stands for individually quick frozen. The cherries are easy to use since they are frozen like marbles instead of a solid mass. I just sold a 10 pound bag […]
Powered by Red: Day 25 – Cherry Chili Recipe
Lean ground turkey simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, Bell pepper, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, mustard powder and chopped dried cherries
Frozen cherries are a big hit!
I’m getting great feedback from the customers that are ordering the frozen cherries. Most are opting for ground shipping and knowing that they will be slightly thawed. Most are laying […]
Stop by Friday for Free Cherry Pie!
Stop by the M-88 Market this Friday, February 19th, between 9 and 5, and enjoy a free slice of cherry pie. Happy National Cherry Month!
Powered by Red: Day 16 – Deer in the orchard >:(
Ok for my powered by red post I must say that I am eating more than my share of tart cherries. I have tested all the recipes this month and […]
Momma’s Cheesecake Recipe
I am soooo glad it is winter! This really frees up some time for my true love, “Cooking.” Today is a really cold day Up North so I’m going to […]
Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
My wife Rose and I went out to Pennsylvania for the Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Growers Convention last week. We went to the convention to market Cherry Juice Concentrate […]
Powered by Red: Day 7 – Simple Snacks with Dried Cherries
Feb. 7 2010 I’m busy with snacks for the super bowl party. The kids love peanuts, dried cherries and chocolate chips for an easy mix. I also made the cherry […]
Powered by Red: Day 6 – Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
Rose tried these cherry pie cookies, or mini-pies, in her bakery some time ago (much too long ago, come to think of it). They were a big hit! I am […]
Powered by Red: Day 5 – Cherry Pecan Energy Bars
Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian and host of the Food Network’s “Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger.” According to Ellie, creating a routine with foods you like is one of […]
Powered by Red: Day 4 – Cherry Dumplings Recipe
I really should title this post, “Dave did my homework.” Last night, Betsy sent me home with a can of tart cherries in water and a simple assignment. I was […]
Organic Cherries?
This post started out as a response to a feedback question from Mary White. Patty and I spent all morning on our response and we decided to post it on […]
“Why February?”
Why February for National Cherry Month? That question has been floating around our office the past few days. I believe that it has to do with George Washington cutting down […]
Frozen cherries
Calling all foodies!!! February is National Cherry Month! The perfect time to try ordering some of our frozen tart cherries. We have been shipping pitted tart cherries for years however, […]
A business headache
Yesterday I was balancing the checkbook against the bank statement. I found a withdrawal that I didn’t recognize for $49.95. It is a monthly charge put in place for a […]
Real Pumpkin Pie Recipe
I know it’s past Thanksgiving, but I couldn’t resist sharing my first real pumpkin pie recipe experience. Hard to believe that during all my tenure at King Orchards, I’ve never […]
Frisée and Apple Salad with Dried Cherries and Walnuts Recipe
3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons minced shallot 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 cup(generous) dried tart cherries 1 large head of frisée, torn into bite-size pieces […]
Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Here is a great recipe a customer e-mailed me, thanks Colleen! Awesome Butternut Casserole (sweet potato)
Tom’s Cheery Cherry Cherry Berry Pie Recipe
Linda Hundt, owner of the Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry in DeWitt, Michigan
Cherry Key Lime Muffins Recipe
This tart cherry muffin recipe comes courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute and Linda Hundt, Owner of the Sweetie Pie Pantry in Dewitt, Michigan and winner of the 2009 National […]
Tangy Cherry Tea Sorbet Recipe
This is a refreshing, light dessert. If you’re in the area, you can pick up pitted, frozen tart cherries at our fruitstands. We also ship frozen tart cherries during the […]
Northern Spy Apples – It’s what’s inside that counts!
“Spys for pies!” says Nan, the pie baking champion of Central Lake. She should know, as she has been cooking apple pies for the swiss steak dinners at the Methodist […]
Honeycrisp Apple Pie with “Smoky” Ice Cream Recipe
Recipe Ingredients: Dough: 1 pound, plus 2 ounces all-purpose flour 8 ounces butter, cubed 2 ½ ounces pork fat 1 Tablespoon sugar Pinch of salt 1 egg Cold water Apples: […]
Honeycrisp Apple Bread Recipe
2 cups sugar 1 cup canola oil 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/4 cup sour milk (add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to fresh milk) 1 teaspoon soda […]
2009 Best Apple Pie Winner: Caramel Apple Pie
Winning Recipe 2009 Michigan Apples Pie Contest: Caramel Apple Pie Ingredients: Crust:1¼ cup all-purpose flour4 to 5 T. ice cold water1/3 cup shorteningPinch of salt and sugar Stir together flour […]
Apple Cheddar Turkey Panini Recipe
This quick sandwich can be made with a Panini press or George Foreman grill. Equally delicious if you choose to omit the turkey. Ingredients: 2 Michigan Apples*, thinly sliced 8 […]
Pork Chops with Sage and Honeycrisp Apple Stuffing Recipe
In Susan Selasky’s Detroit Free Press article, she wrote, “Some people wouldn’t dream of cooking with Honeycrisp apples because they are best eaten out of hand. But for this recipe […]