Apple lovers nationwide can pre-order boxes of organic Gravenstein apples, an heirloom apple listed on Slow Food’s Ark of Taste as an endangered American food, for delivery in August. The FruitGuys, the nation’s leader in providing farm-fresh fruit and thoughtful snacks to the American workplace, announced today the release of its 14th annual limited-edition Gravenstein Apple Box, which benefits participating Northern California growers.
These sought-after apples have a short harvest season and are only available for a few weeks each year. They can be pre-ordered now for delivery nationwide the weeks of August 16 and August 23, 2021.
More than 7,000 acres of delicious Gravenstein apples were in production in Sonoma County during World War II and provided applesauce and dried apples to American troops. Today, less than 700 acres remain due to rising land prices and low profitability due to the apple’s short season and shelf life.
The FruitGuys supports the remaining commercial apple farmers by offering this annual box that provides a national sales channel as well as 16 percent of the proceeds, in addition to purchasing their apples. Farmer Stan Devoto of Devoto Gardens & Orchards in Sebastopol, CA, grows organic Gravensteins and has used the proceeds from previous FruitGuys Gravenstein boxes to graft 300 new trees in his orchard, ensuring biodiversity.
“There are only a handful of farmers that still harvest the Gravenstein apple commercially, and as a company whose mission is to support American farmers, it’s our responsibility to help preserve this historic apple,” said Chris Mittelstaedt, founder and CEO of The FruitGuys. “We’re excited to celebrate and share this iconic, endangered heirloom variety with everyone across the U.S..”
