Musgrave Orchard and Cider Mill - Bloomington, Indiana

Cup the apple in the palm of one hand. Using your other hand, put your thumb and forefinger at the base of the apple's stem. Twist gently, moving the apple a bit to the side and a bit upward. Two or more turns may be necessary. The stem will snap off at the branch. Try not to get any leaves with your apple. If you break off some of the branch, then no apple will grow there next year.

Founded during the Depression of the 1930's, the Musgrave Orchard survived under the watchful care of three generations of Musgraves, including its founder, Lester, his son Robert, and grandson Jeff. Across the decades, the orchard has produced nine varieties of delicious apples.

Love of living off the land, coupled with seeing their labors yield bountiful fruit, motivated Andy and Amy Hamilton to pick up where the Musgrave family left off. The Monroe County couple, who learned the tricks of the apple industry trade from Robert Musgrave during the 2003 growing season, now feel totally prepared to go it alone.

Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a relatively new concept in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction by Robyn Van En to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s. The teikei idea - meaning "partnership" - was born during the 1960s in Japan.

Transitioning Organic

Cider Contest 2005-2006

Where to find our cider now... Bloomingfoods East and Downtown, Encore Cafe, and Roots Restaurant.

Sign up now for 2006 CSA

The Core Farms Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program currently has three partners, which include: New Growth Gardens, the Heartland Family Farm and Musgrave Orchard. Along with produce, they jointly enhance your cooking skill by providing helpful recipes and how-to's on preparing unique veggies.