Cal Poly Swanton Pacific Ranch's Organic U-Pick Apple Orchard
The U-Pick Apple Orchard is closed for the 2023 season.
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Posted December 6, 2023
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Driving Directions:
The Apple Orchard is located on the west side of Swanton Road across from 480 Swanton Road (a couple miles north of the 125 Swanton Road address).
Following Swanton Road from the South, it is 4.5 miles from the Highway 1 intersection and 3 miles from 125 Swanton Road. The orchard will be on your left; watch for the parking sign.
Following Swanton Road from the North, it is 2.3 miles from the Highway 1. The orchard will be on your right; watch for the parking sign.
We look forward to seeing you!
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Phone: (831) 458-5410
The Organic Apple Orchard is open seasonally to the public, Cal Poly alumni, and grade-school groups.
Certified annually by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and yielding five tons of apples per year, the ranch's 2-acre orchard produces a diverse array of apples for many uses. The 16 distinct varieties ripen progressively throughout the fall allowing for an extended picking season. Grade-school groups are encouraged to arrange visits to the U-Pick where children receive an overview of ecological processes in organic farming before they set out to collect apples.
Early Season
GINGERGOLD
Crisp texture with a sweet yet mildly tart taste. Great for salads.
Harvest: late August early September
HOLSTEIN
Tart, yet vibrant flavors making it great for desserts and juicing.
Harvest: September
LODI
Crisp and juicy with a balance of acid and sugar. Good for baking and storing. (these have been picked already for CalPoly use)
Harvest: August
RED DELICIOUS
Sweet and juicy; great for salads and use in decorations.
Harvest: September
RED GRAVENSTEIN
Very crisp and juicy; a favorite cooking apple.
Harvest: August
ROYAL GALA
Wonderful dessert apple with a nice blend of sweetness and tartness. Crisp texture and rich in flavor.
Harvest: September
SALI RED DELICIOUS
Sweet and juicy with a beautiful deep red color.
Harvest: September
Mid Season
COX ORANGE PIPPIN
Rich and crisp. Great for desserts.
Harvest: September - October
FUJI
Sweet and flavorful with a very crisp texture; excellent for storing.
Harvest: September - October
JONAGOLD
Superb flavor, crisp, juicy, sub acid, an all-purpose apple that's great for pies and freezing.
Harvest: September - October
NEWTON PIPPIN
A crisp texture, juicy and slightly tart, making it great for cooking and baking.
Harvest: October
SNOW (FAMEUSE)
Tender in texture with a spicy, refreshing flavor, making it good for desserts and cooking.
Harvest: September - October
Late Season
GOLDEN RUSSET
Very sweet and crisp. Great for salads, sauces and pies.
Harvest: October
GRANNY SMITH
Tart and crisp with excellent flavor.
Harvest: October
SUNTAN
Dessert apple with a rich, sweet flavor and pineapple-like acidity. Very aromatic.
Harvest: October - November
YELLOW NEWTON PIPPIN
Firm, crisp, and slightly tart.Good for salads and baking.
Harvest: October
