NEWS, AND AN APOLOGY,
 FROM TWIN SPRINGS FRUIT FARM


A bumblebee lifting off after 'buzzing" a tomato bloom


For what's at market this week please see below (Click here for locations and times).
 

AN APOLOGY IS IN ORDER

     We have had, at the last couple of markets, some fruit that we regret sending, as it was a bit overripe; I'm referring to some Goldrush and Pink Lady that kind of got away from us, as far as quality control is concerned. All of those apples have been pulled from any future loads, and set aside for dried apples or perhaps cider. 
     With the Pink Lady the two 25 bushel bins picked up to be graded were never meant to get into the crates for retail loads as they were an early variety called Maslin Pink Lady and we knew that they had been allowed to get too ripe on the tree. The flavor was great but the texture - not so much. A similar story with the Goldrush, but they had been in the retail loop for a bit longer.
     If any customers were unsatisfied with the apples purchased, of any variety for that matter, we would like to make it right by either giving a refund or replacement. In the case of those who got a whole half bushel, and are dissatisfied, bring back the remainder and we will also replace or refund, but we'd like to do something with the unused portion.
     Thanks, and again our apologies. The Goldrush and Pink Lady that will be at market from now on will be much better, so come get a sample and allow us to convince you of that fact. We will have many apples out of Controlled Atmosphere in a couple of weeks and they will all be quite fantastic; I'm sure.

GREENHOUSE POLLINATION

     Some of you, who have read my newsletters for a couple of years, may be familiar with our use of bumblebees for the pollination of some greenhouse crops, especially tomatoes and aubergine (eggplant); both being in the nightshade family with somewhat similar flower structures. The bumblebees we use are bred in captivity and are a species which make large and long lived colonies, essential for commercial situations. They are Bombus Impatiens, a species particularly suited to the east coast of the U.S. A different species is used for Europe (Bombus Terrestris) and another (Bombus Occidentalis) for the west coast of the U.S.
     There are over 300 species of bumblebees and there are all kinds of body structures and habits associated with any given species. One can even fly at the level of Mt. Everest, if you can believe what's on the internet; I'm sure it's not the type we get as ours seem kind of plump, take it easy sort of girls, though they do get the job done. Not olympians but good steady workers.
     The bees bred commercially for sale to growers like us must have the habit of using "buzz pollination" to gather their food, pollen and nectar. I used to believe that they had to have a longer tongue-like structure called a proboscis to get down into the deep throated flowers of tomatoes, eggplant and even blueberries. Honeybees have shorter ones which work great on apple, peach and pear flowers, as well as a multitude of other crops like almonds, not to mention the flowers in your garden. The bumblebees may indeed use that mouth part, especially for gathering nectar, but it is the "buzz" phenomena which really does the trick.
     Buzz pollination is really what bumblebees in the greenhouse are all about in terms of effective pollination. The above picture actually shows the result of the bee's attempts to shake loose pollen, to be carried back to the hive in "baskets" on the hind legs. Gripping the flower with its front legs the bee will buzz quite hard, shaking the flower and disloging the pollen. 
     At the very top of the picture is an example of a flower which has been "worked" quite well. You can see the browning of the flower, a good sign, which Tom will keep his eye on while scouting the plantings for problems. If there is little sign of the bees having "buzzed the flowers it may be time to buy another hive or two. The hives never last more than a couple of months at any rate and must be replaced if there are crops in need of their help.
     Prior to the Dutch having developed the quite tricky ability to create hives which can be effective in greenhouses and also be shipped promptly wherever needed it used to be that one of us had to go to the closest local little airport with commercial service to pick up the hives. Now that UPS will deliver them, and in good time, it has gotten much simpler.
     Prior to using bumblebees everyone had to "hand" pollinate the tomato and eggplant flowers, usually by using a simple battery powered device which had a small wand which would vibrate the flower. Growers on a smaller scale than Twin Springs may still use the technique but we are big believers in bumblebees as we think that multiple instances of pollination create the highest quality fruit.
14" of snow at the farm! Makes it tough to get anything done.
Aubrey, and Twin Springs Family
*At all our locations this week:
  • Carrots (Bolero) - crisp and sweet
  • Apple varieties this week include: Goldrush, Pink Lady, Stayman, Granny Smith  and Mutsu - all great for cooking, though Goldrush is my "go to" choice for any cooking purposes. 
  • Fuji, Cameo and Autumn Gala, all great fresh eating apples
  • Seconds: dent and ding, discounted apples, sweet potatoes and squash
  • Tangy Apple Cider 
  • Sunshine, BonBon and Butternut winter squash
  • A new planting of both Bok Choy and Savoy Spinach has matured, and there should be plenty for the coming week and beyond. 
  • We are currently having moderate pickings of both Lettuce and Arugula, so get out early if you are counting on getting any.
  • Beauregard Sweet Potatoes, traditional deep orange inside as well as purple skinned, white fleshed and extra sweet Japanese sweet potatoes 
  • Copra - spanish yellow onions
  • German Hardneck Garlic 
  • "Sylvana" Yellow Potatoes, a great all-purpose variety
  • Twin Springs' Chipotle Ketchup, Marinara Sauce, Apple Butter and Apple Sauce. All may be purchased individually or by the 12 jar case for 10% off.
  • Goddard only: organic grapefruit
  • Fresh hard pretzels from Gettysburg, regular and whole wheat, as well as fresh locally made "Michele's" Granola
  • Allen's fresh eggs - both brown and white from "free walking hens"
  • Ed's handmade, local cheeses, from his own dairy herd of cows and goats: Cheddar, sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, smoked jalapeno and goat gouda
  • Jim Small's local honey (many of the hives are kept year-round at Twin Springs)
  • Maryland maple syrup and maple sugar, from the Patterson's farm.
  • A pretty extensive selection of Mc Cutcheon's jams and jellies, pear, peach and pumpkin butters, Bone Suckin' Sauce, pickled beets, both regular and spicy, mustards, salad dressing, sweet and hot relish, bar-b-que sauces etc. As with our own canned goods above you may order a case of 12, which may be mixed, at 10% off of our retail price.
  • Homemade, the day before, breakfast loaves from Elizabeth and Gary Brett.
  • A full line of baked goods from Stone Hearth Bakery in Frederick MD, fresh that morning: croissants, scones, danish, baguettes, cookies and many loaf breads too numerous and varied to list, both sliced and unsliced (crispy like a baguette) and cookies
 
or add a friend's email address to bug them about going to market to buy local stuff!