The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Thanks to health research and business trends locally produced and fresh fruits and vegetables are more popular than ever. Peru residents are little spoiled because we have two excellent family-owned and operated farmstands, Rulfs and Northern Orchards. Rulfs has been in the news since the September 28th opening of their beautiful new farmstand and the Northern Orchards Farmstand operated by the Mulberry family continues to be a frequent stop for many Peru and regional shoppers.

One of the first things anyone stopping at the Northern Orchards Farmstand notices are the large apple crates filled with beautiful apples. As Jenna Mulberry stated, “We pick the boxes right out of the field and bring them to the stand. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.” Yesterday’s offerings included Macintosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Silkin and Cortland. Fuji will be harvested soon. Twenty-five apple varieties are typically sold over the course of a harvest. Shoppers simply pick up a bag and fill it with their favorite, moderately-priced apple. Yesterday, Honeycrisp apples were priced at $2.00 a pound.

At this time of year the stand is surrounded by hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes. Inside, shoppers immediately spot the melons and perfectly ripened plums along with a huge variety of squash, ornamental gourds, tomatoes, beets, peppers, garlic, carrots, kohlrabi, and other very fresh vegetables. Mulberry’s three large high tunnel green houses allow them to grow vegetables into late December. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, herbs grow very well in the greenhouses’ protected environment. The stand usually has six to eight tomato varieties. 

Honey lovers appreciate the honey produced just a few hundred feet down the road at the family’s 450 acre orchard. Firewood derived from the orchard’s trees is also sold at the stand. A few items are purchased from other suppliers. McAdam Cheese and Granny Blossom salsa, tomato relish, BBQ sauce and Bloody Mary Mix are very popular.

The Mulberry’s have an interesting philosophy when it comes to the farmstand. Jenna explained, “We’re primarily large commercial apple growers. We see this stand as a way to give back to our community for all they provide to us.” The residents of Peru and neighboring communities are very thankful for their gift.

The Northern Orchards Farmstand is open 10-6, seven days a week. They also have an excellent, constantly-updated Facebook page. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PERU GAZETTE PHOTOS