Michiana orchard curates 200+ varieties of apples

Apple picking is a fall ritual for Michiana families. For the Teichman family, who have been growing apples in the region since the 1920s, it is also a business and a passion. Each fall, the Teichmans welcome hundreds of visitors to their pick-your-own farm in Eau Claire, Michigan, specializing in unique varieties of apples.

Herb Teichman, son of the founders of Tree-Mendus Fruit, curates a collection of 200+ varieties, including a large collection of heirloom (or “heritage”) apples. Visitors can sample varieties never found in grocery stores—like the centuries-old Ashmead’s Kernal or the rough-skinned but sweet Knobbed Russet—at the farm market, then head out to the hills to fill their own buckets. 

Tree-Mendus also grows stone fruits and berries, including some heirloom varieties (also available for U-pick) during the summer season, and hosts the International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship on the first Saturday of July.