Apples in every shape and size

By: Kim Palaferri, Auburn Journal Photographer
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Autumn is upon us and that brings apple season. The crisp delicious fruit is in its prime season with plenty of varieties to choose from and available locally, too. Machado Orchards in Auburn grows 12 to 14 different kinds of apples including the popular Fuji, Red Delicious, Braeburn, Gala, Golden Delicious, and the unique Park Dale Beauty which was the first apple grown at the ranch.

Machado Orchards will be hosting their 2nd Annual Apple Festival this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. where people will be able to tour the orchard and take part in a you-pick harvesting for .29 cents per pound.

This year the event will have 14 vendors, twice as many as the inaugural festival’s year, which attracted approximately 1,500 attendees. Machado’s co-owner Shawnie Machado looks forward to families enjoying all the festivities including the you-pick. “One of my favorite things about the festival is it brings a lot of families, and it’s amazing to so see all the kids scrambling to pick apples, they don’t get that chance often,” Machado said. “There is a lot of laughter even when the lines are long, everyone is laughing and having a good ole time.”

The orchard plans on growing into a you-pick during the apple season, but for now customers can try it out during Saturday’s event.

Machado’s yields approximately 200 tons of apples yearly, many of which are used to make their popular caramel apples, apple cider, fresh made applesauce, and of course pies. The in-house bakery makes 300 pies each weekend but for this weekend’s festival they will generate around 600, including plenty of sugar-free options. Also available at the event, tastings of everything Machado’s makes including their fresh salsa and caned goods. 

“If a customer wants to sample one of our picked or canned items, we will make sure they get a taste,” Machado said.