Frequently Asked Questions
Pick-Your-Own Questions
Should I bring my own containers?
You can bring your own containers from home or you can purchase containers from the farm. We sell several picking baskets and trays, perfect for fruits and vegetables. However, tupperware containers, pans, trays and old baskets from your home work well too! For apple and vegetable picking, we recommend plastic or canvas bags. If you bring your own containers don't forget to have them weighed before you head out to the orchard!What is the price for pick-your-own?
We do not charge an admission fee to the farm. However, we do ask that upon checkout, your total exceeds a $5.00 minimum per person.All of our pick-your-own produce is priced per pound. The price varies for each fruit or vegetable and can be found on our website. Prices are also listed on the map issued to you as you enter the farm. Is pick-your-own less expensive than pre-picked?
Absolutely! Not only will you save money picking your own fruits and vegetables, you will get a healthy dose of fresh air, sun and exercise.When are you open?
Our farm store is only open during pick-your-own season from June to November. During that time we are open for business everyday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. (Yes, even weekends!) General Questions
Do you ship apples?
Yes, we do. We can ship any variety of apple (in season) to nearly any location. We offer a special foam-lined apple shipping box to ensure safe delivery of your produce anywhere. For prices and shipping rates please call us (518) 758-7224 or email us at samascottorchard@aol.com. What do you do during the winter?
A LOT! Although we are finished harvesting in November, we keep apples, potatoes and winter squash in storage throughout the winter months. In addition, we make a fresh batch of pure apple cider each week. In our bakery we continue to make our delicious apple cider donuts, pies, muffins and cakes daily. The farm store is closed, but you can still purchase our produce and apple cider, five days a week in Manhattan at our year round farmer's market locations. (Click here for locations).How do you keep your apples so fresh through the winter?
Thanks to advances in cold storage facilities, we are able to store apples for up to 12 months! We use a controlled atmosphere (CA) storage system which works by regulating the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the room. The temperature is set and maintained to best suit apples and the room is completely sealed off to prevent any gas exchange. We have several CA storage rooms, allowing us to open one room every few months to keep the apples at their freshest possible point. Is your apple cider pasteurized?
No, it is not. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that apple cider be either pasteurized or UV treated. Both options are equally effective in killing bacteria. We prefer UV treatment for our apple cider because we feel it helps preserve the quality and taste. What does "UV treated" mean?
UV stands for ultra-violet. This form of treatment is used on our apple cider before it is bottled to kill any bacteria. UV treatment is a non-thermal treatment in which our apple cider passes by an ultra-violet light to kill bacteria. This process meets FDA guidelines and is just as safe and effective as pasteurization. (Click here for more information)Do you grow GMOs?
No, we do not grow or sell any GMOs (genetically modified organisms).Is your produce organic?
No, we are not an organic farm. However, we spray our crops only when necessary.Which apple is best for baking?
This may vary depending on your own tastes and your recipe. However, in our pies we use Jonagold apples, which are sweet and tend to hold their shape well when baked. For a sweeter taste, we also recommend Mutsu, Golden Delicious and Winesap. For a more tart taste and stronger apple flavor, we recommend Cortland, Empire, Granny Smith, Idared, Northern Spy or Rome. (Don't be afraid to mix, a combination of any of the above apples will provide a delicious flavor!)How do I join your mailing list?
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