Dixon Apples (Santa Fe, Pena Blanca, Cochiti: home, to buy, moving)

[Towanda]

Today was the first day that Dixon Apple Orchard, in Pena Blanca west of Cochiti, began selling their fall crop of apples.

My husband I went out there -- it was our first time to buy apples there since we moved to New Mexico. What fun!

The traffic was backed up for a mile before getting to the orchard, and creeping along until limited parking places became available at the orchard. But once there -- it was such a cool experience. The setting is simply gorgeous, they have a huge crop of apples this year, the line of people waiting with wheelbarrows to get into the building and pick up their apples and cider was moving quickly, and we talked to a lot of friendly New Mexicans.

In addition to apples and cider, they had apple firewood, pumpkins, a food stand, etc.

We got a bushel of Champagne apples, and I am already thinking of ways to use them -- pies, cobblers, applesauce, etc. *yummmmm*

Dixon Apples -- another New Mexico tradition.

If you haven't gone today for YOUR apples, don't delay -- we've heard they sell out very quickly.

[lisdol]

Only a mile. You guys did well. Last year I heard it was backed up for miles. Hours to get in.

I think there is a bigger crop this year - last year was tight.

Anyone know if any other area orchards are open? I know a couple last year did not open to sell apples b/c of the bad crop.

[Towanda]

We went out there early this morning. I think when we left it was backed up further.

I am baking an apple cobbler right now.

[songinthewind7]

Yum, apple cobbler.
We pick up apples in High Rolls and that festival is coming up next month. Can't wait.

[jeffohray]

I think everyone should experience that trip once. After that, buy them at the store. Maybe I lack sophistication and the taste buds of an apple connoisseur, but I taste nothing in a Dixon apple that warrants that much effort.

Anymore, I just take a nice drive along a highway until I see an orchard or a roadside stand and buy them there. I spend just as much time doing it but it is more enjoyable.
My fav is in Velarde. The drive is nice, the apples are good, it's fall in NM...

[jaxart]

Originally Posted by lisdol

I think there is a bigger crop this year - last year was tight.

Last year I had not a single edible apple from either of my two trees.

This year they are LOADED with more apples than I've ever seen on them, in spite of a very dry winter and less than average "monsoon" season this summer. Unfortunately, although loaded, the apples are not going to mature and achieve a size that makes them worth picking. The red ones are already edible - the greens are still only good for deer food! The deer keep the ground under my trees cleaned up - no need for me to rake.

[jiminnm]

We used to regularly go to to Dixon, but last went 3-4 years ago. We hit the gravel road about 10:00 and didn't get out until after 3:00. We parked and walked a mile or so just to get out of the traffic. They were horribly disorganized and clearly not prepared to handle half the crowd that was there. Since then, we get ours at the store. The champagnes, though, are some of the best apples ever.

According to the reports I've read, the crop this year is huge and they fully expect to have enough for 2-3 weeks of sales.

[Santa Fe]

I'll try to go up in the middle of the week. My apple trees -- planted by a previous owner -- are clearly wrong for this area, usually getting knocked out by a frost. This year I put Xmas lights on them but a series 19-21 F nights wiped them out. I got about five apples.

[ABQConvict]

Originally Posted by jeffohray

I think everyone should experience that trip once. After that, buy them at the store. Maybe I lack sophistication and the taste buds of an apple connoisseur, but I taste nothing in a Dixon apple that warrants that much effort.

My understanding is that Dixon orchard only sells from their own sheds. They don't distribute to grocery stores. Also, the Champagne apple is unique to Dixon.

So if you want Champagne apples, you must go to Dixon.

ABQConvict

[Towanda]

Originally Posted by jiminnm

We used to regularly go to to Dixon, but last went 3-4 years ago. We hit the gravel road about 10:00 and didn't get out until after 3:00. We parked and walked a mile or so just to get out of the traffic. They were horribly disorganized and clearly not prepared to handle half the crowd that was there. Since then, we get ours at the store. The champagnes, though, are some of the best apples ever.

jiminnm - I think perhaps they have improved their system. They seemed very organized on Friday, and it was the first day and of course the crowd was large.

We hit the long line of traffic at 10:00 and it took us an hour to get to the orchard parking lot. We were there for about an hour, and the line to get into the shed to buy the apples was moving along very quickly. The lines for food were moving slowly, though, I think because they were trying to keep up with the demand for the fritters, which they were constantly frying.

Anyway, we were back on the road home to Santa Fe by noon.

And - WOW - I had my first Champagne apples -- they are really good! I have made two batches of applesauce this weekend, and will make a pie this afternoon.