Apples in Arizona

When you think of where apples are grown you most likely do not think of southern Arizona. But you should.

Unknown to most of the populous now, Willcox, Arizona is an epicenter for U-pick apple orchards that supports individuals and communities across southern Arizona and on into southern New Mexico.

Located on I-10 just west of New Mexico, Willcox has a population of about 4,000 and is approximately 90 miles east of Tucson, Arizona. It's a small town that was once the "Cattle Capital" of the U.S. and it hides a menagerie of orchards that are, quite literally, ripe for the pickings.

Here are the apple orchards in the vicinity. Please note that some of these orchards also have other fruits available.

Valley Farms LTD-Desert Sweet Organic*
email: desertsweetorganic@sbcglobal.net
phone: 520-384-2861

Apple variety: Gala, Golden, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Granny Smith

Directions: Take I-10 to Willcox, exit 340 to Fort Grant Rd. Go north on Fort Grant Rd. 17 1/2 miles.

Open: everyday

Briggs & Eggers Orchard*
email: briggseggers@starband.net
phone: 520-384-2539

Apple variety: Gala, Red & Golden Delicious,Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady and Sundowner.

Directions: Take I-10 to Willcox, exit 340 to Fort Grant Rd. Go north on Fort Grant Rd. 17 miles to the intersection of Brookerson and Briggs Road. Signs will lead you from there.

Apple Annie's Orchard
email: apples@appleannies.com
web site: http://www.appleannies.com
phone: 520-384-2084

Apple variety: Jonathan, Gala, Delicious, Rome Beauty, Criterion, Granny Smith, Fuji and Pink Lady

Directions: Take I-10 to Willcox, exit 340 to Fort Grant Rd. Go north on Fort Grant Rd. 5 1/2 miles and follow the signs.

Open daily July 12-October 31

Brown's Orchard
web site: http://www.youpickapples.com
phone: 520-384-3671

Directions: Take I-10 to Willcox, exit 340 to Fort Grant Rd. Go north 10 miles to Atwood Dr. Turn left on Atwood Dr. (There is convenience store and gas station there.)

Open August 15 thru the 1st frost of the season, Thursday thru Sunday

Stout's Cider Mill
web site: http://www.cidermill.com
phone: 520-384-3639

Apple variety: Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Jonathan, Red Delicious and more.

Directions: Take I-10 to Willcox, exit 340 to Fort Grant Rd. Turn north and take the immediate right turn on Circle I Rd. Travel for approximately 100 ft. and you're there.

note: Stout's Cider Mill has picnic tables for visitors and never uses preservative in any of their products. Their products include fresh cider and homemade apple pies.

Open daily year round 8 AM-6 PM.

I highly recommend that anyone wanting to visit one of these orchards to call or email ahead to verify schedule as these are family run businesses and schedule are subject to change.

I want to thank the Willcox Chamber of Commerce (willcoxchamber@vtc.net) and PickYourOwn.org for providing me with information.

*Certified Organic