By Pat Doody
staff writer
Visit Pulford Appletree Orchard
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Pat Doody.
Becky Pulford and assistant Johnny R. Smith show off Melrose apples.
John and Becky Pulford have been growing apples in Tehachapi since the 1970s when the newly married couple arrived in town for John's new agriculture job. They started a hobby U-pick apple orchard in 1981 on Goodrick near Highway 58 which they operated until 1988 when they moved to their current location at 19440 Highline.
They planted about 2,000 apple trees, featuring 13 varieties in 1994. The Pulford Appletree Orchard opened to the public in 1996 and now has 19 varieties of sweet and tart apples that ripen at different times from late August until the end of October. According to Becky, all the varieties have different harvest dates and each is available for at least two weeks. You can drop by the orchard and pick up a list of the varieties and when they are most likely available.
Due to its size, the Highline orchard is no longer U-pick although during student tours, the students are allowed to pick apples.
"Kids should know where their food comes from," says Becky.
The Pulford orchard opened at a time when there were several U-pick orchards available. However, over the last few years, Sid Weiser, Knaus and Kolesar, the major U-pick orchards, are no longer selling apples.
Pat Doody.
Hay bale maze, so much fun for young visitors.
Pulford Appletree Orchard is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and closed Monday and Tuesday. Members of the family and staff are always available to answer questions. Aside from their varieties of apples, the Pulford store has a large selection of apple products including favorites such as Apple Salsa, Apple Chipotle Grilling Sauce, Apple-Cinnamon Applesauce, Apple Pumpkin Butter and Spiced Apple Jam. And of course, cookbooks. Apple pies are available from Friday to Sunday.
There is something for everyone at Pulford Apple Orchard during apple season. Even the little ones can have fun trying to find their way through the hay bale maze that is set up behind the store.
This year Pulford Appletree Orchard expects to be open through the end of October, so make sure you drop in for a visit soon.
