Bishop's Blog

Bishop's Blueberry Banana Smoothie!

2010-07-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Beat the Heat with a nice cold, refreshing and healthy smoothie with Bishop's Own Blueberries! Easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Just follow this simple recipe:

2 bananas, peeled, frozen and cut into chunks
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup orange juice
1 Tbs. honey

Blend fruit and orange juice together in blender until "smooth." Add Honey, lightly blend again, pour and enjoy!

Want to try something a little different for the KIDS... Add some Vanilla Yogurt, pour smoothie mixture into Popsicle molds or an ice cube tray, stick Popsicle sticks into the middle of each cube and place in freezer. Take out a couple hours later and the kids will have a tasty treat that is cool and healthy.

Our Own Asparagus

2010-05-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

With the warm weather, we are cutting our own grown asparagus daily. Asparagus is a heart healthy food as well as a great source of fiber! There are so many different ways to cook and prepare asparagus so that you can eat it more than once a week and it doesn't get old. You can steam it, roast it, grill it, saute it or even eat it raw if you like it that way.

With the warm weather, there is no doubt that the outdoor grill has already been broken in for the season. Here are two simple recipes for you to help you savor that fresh local tasting asparagus that our farmers in the field are bringing into our market everyday.

Grilled Asparagus

1 lb of trimmed Asparagus

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Fresh Grated Parmesean Cheese (can be omitted)

Wash and trim Asparagus. Lay out on a baking sheet, Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss around so it is evenly coated. Place Asparagus on the preheated grill over high heat for 5 minutes. Roll asparagus 1/4 over every minute or so in order for it to be grilled evenly. Serve immediately.

Quinoa with Asparagus

1 Cup Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah)

1 3/4 cup of low sodium Chicken Broth (Water or Vegetable Stock can be used in place

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 1/2 Cups of Asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces

2 Cloves of Garlic thinly sliced

1/3 cup of freshly chopped Parsley

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Salt and Pepper

Bring Chicken Broth to a boil in saucepan. Add Quinoa and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. In the meantime, in a saute pan over Medium heat saute garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add in cut Asparagus and saute for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add in the cooked Asparagus mixture. Fluff with fork. Add the lemon juice, parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy.

Feel free to add in other veggies such as carrots or zucchini to add your own twist and be culinary creative!

We hope you enjoy Bishop's Own Asparagus and enjoy the Local Flavor!

Blossoms and Bees

2010-04-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Above, a bee pollinates an apple blossom.

Our 85 hives of rented honeybees have just concluded their work for the 2010 season. Our farm crew had to dash into high gear this season, as temperatures soared early, and the result was the onset of pear, peach and then apple blossoms almost 2 weeks early.

We are praying that no more frost comes along to kill the tender buds... the danger zone lasts till mid-May along the Connecticut coastline.

We have captured many great shots of blossom time in our orchards.

Visit our Facebook page to enjoy the beauty of spring on our farm.

http://www.facebook.com/bishopsorchardsfarmmarket

Below a bee pollinates a peach blossom.

Bishop's SpEGGtacular Easter

2010-03-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air... or at least we thought it was two weeks ago. Then... rain, rain, and more rain. So, against the popular poem, March went out like a lion as opposed to a lamb and hopefully April will start with some sunshine that we are all yearning for. This time of year, we want to see the colors of Spring outside as the plants, trees and flowers start showing signs of hope that Spring is in fact upon us.

With Spring comes the Easter holiday. Funny how every holiday has colors associated with them, and fittingly, Easter's are the pastel colors of Spring. Not only do holidays have the traditional themed colors, but traditional food pairings as well. While different family traditions and cultures may vary by recipes or main courses, the one thing that everyone can associate Easter with is EGGS! So, in the spirit of colors and food, we thought that we would give some tips on Decorating Easter Eggs... but not necessarily the "traditional" way.

With only a few days left before Easter, now is the perfect time to decorate those eggs. You don't have to use the traditional "dye kits" that you buy in the store, there are other ways to color and decorate your eggs.

Dye your eggs "naturally!" How you say? Hard Boil Your Eggs in advance so that you give them time to cool in the refrigerator before dyeing. Bring the following ingredients to a boil for 20 minutes (separately) for your natural colors to use as dye. You only need one of the ingredients per color, we are giving you suggestions.

Yellow - Lemon or Orange Peels, Carrots
Red - Cranberries and Raspberries
Blue - Blueberries, Grape Juice, Red Cabbage
Green - Spinach leaves
Brown - Tea or Coffee
Orange - Chili Powder or Paprika

There are many other things out there that you can try and experiment with. Be creative... the longer you leave the ingredient in the boiling water, the darker the color will be. As soon as you are done boiling your food, strain the liquid and let it cool to a warm temperature. Then, take your cooled eggs and color as desired. When using "natural dyes," it is best to leave the eggs sitting in them for 5 to 10 minutes to really saturate the shell and soak up the colors. It takes a little longer, but is a neat and different way of doing things. Remember to turn you egg occasionally in the dye for even coloring. Take out and let dry.

When it is time to clean up, take your "food" that you boiled and use it as compost so there isn't any trash or garbage associated with your Easter Egg Fun!!

Want less of a mess, try coloring and decorating your eggs with crayons, markets, glitter, tissue paper and glue, foil Easter candy wrappers and other crafty things that you may have laying around the house!

Happy Easter and Happy Egg decorating!

Escape To Spring . . . . Who's ready?

2010-03-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like we still have snow in the forecast, but we are ready for Spring. As far as we can tell, the sun is staying with us longer throughout the day and next weekend we "Spring" our clocks ahead. So who's with us?

Everyone at Van Wilgen's "Escape to Spring" exposition, that's who. This weekend from Friday, March 5 through Sunday March 7 from 8am to 5pm over 30 local businesses are getting together to celebrate the prospect of Spring.

The event is going to feature suggestive landscape solutions, helpful hints on using soils, fertilizers and tools. Pretty much everything that you'll need to know before you design your lawn landscape or start planting vegetable and flower seeds. The event will also have everything for sports enthusiasts, chefs, handymen, artists and fashionistas.

Don't forget to bring your kids to this event. Boats, trailers and big trucks will be on hand for children of all ages to explore.

Bishop's Orchards is participating everyday from 8am-5pm with tasty food and wine samples. The wine tasting schedule is: Friday from 2-5pm, Saturday from 12-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. We look forward to seeing you there. Come on SPRING!!!

Go to Van Wilgen's website for more information.

Exhibitors include: Aquatic Pools, Atlantic Outboard, Bartlett Tree Experts, Bishop's Orchards, Branford Garden Club, By the Sea Inn & Spa, Carol's Creations, Connecticut Orchid Society, Cooking Enthusiast, Deitter's Water Gardens, Essex Antiques Dealers: English Accents, Lord Nelson, Weltner's, Fafard Soil, Fairways Driving Range, The Glass Hut: JC Art Glass Designs, Art Glass by Mathews, Giant Oak Power Equipment, Groing Green Birding, Grand Vin, Grossman Chevrolet, Hart & Van Wilgen Grass Seed, Karen Lipeika Gallery, Kid Wishes Toy Store, La Cuisine, North Cove Outfitters, Pepper's General Pet Store, Pexagon Technology, Premier Subaru, Trailblazers, Trailer Depot, Tricia Bohan Photography, Van Wilgen Grown, Voles Be Gone and Zane's Cycles.

Healthy Diet Goals, Heart-Smart Shopping

2010-02-25T13:17:00.001-08:00

Heart Disease is the #1 killer of Americans. February is National Heart Month and Bishop's would like to share a few great ways to keep your heart healthy including lifestyle tips, recommended foods, smart-shopping decisions and preparation techniques.

Seven tips for a healthy lifestyle to promote a healthy heart from the American Heart Association include:

1.) Don't smoke
2.) Maintain a healthy weight
3.) Engage in regular physical activity
4.) Eat a healthy diet
5.) Manage blood pressure
6.) Take charge of cholesterol
7.) Keep blood sugar or glucose at healthy levels

Let's focus on #4 for a moment - Eat a healthy diet. Generally it is healthier and cheaper to cook at home. When you plan to cook at home make smart decisions on choosing your ingredients. The small choices you make will make a big impact on your healthy lifestyle.

Here are a list of heart healthy foods that you can incorporate into your diet with ease:

1.) FRUITS: Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, pineapple, pomegranates

2.) VEGETABLES: Spinach, carrots, potatoes, corn, broccoli

3.) MEATS: Extra lean ground beef, all natural bison steak, natural ground turkey breast, oven roasted turkey breast, extra lean boneless pork loin, skinless chicken breast/tenders

4.) PASTA: go for whole wheat spaghetti, pene, rotini, etc.

Likewise, the preparation method of your meal also has a big impact on your diet.
Here are a list of preparation techniques for veggies and meats that are a heart-healthy alternative to frying:

1.) Grill
2.) Bake
3.) Stir-fry
4.) Saute
5.) Steam
6.) Poach

Other Heart Healthy Cooking Tips:

1.) OIL: When selecting an oil, choose one with the lowest saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol (olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil or soybean oil) But use sparingly, they still contain 120 calories per tablespoon!

2.) SEASONINGS: Avoid using prepackaged seasonings as they contain a lot of salt. Use fresh herbs wherever possible.

By just incorporating a few of these small changes you can get your heart healthy, have more cash in your pocket and live a healthier life!

Happy Eating!

Refrigerator Makeover

2010-01-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

Now that we are coming to the end of January, we wonder how many of you made a resolution to Eat better, Lose Weight, become more organized, and/or try not to be "wasteful?" All of these are very popular New Year's resolutions, and we believe that they are all good ones too. But, we all know that it is a little easier to accomplish a resolution or any goal for that matter, when you have a little help. So... we want to help you... CLEAN and REORGANIZE your fridge!

Here are 10 steps that we think you should know and follow to make the most of the food that you buy at the store, so you don't end up wasting so much food, so that you are making the most of it, and actually using the food that you buy as opposed to it mysteriously finding it's way to the dark abyss in the back of the refrigerator.

We hope this helps and would love to hear back from you if you have any great suggestions that you might want to share with us!

Happy Organizing!

1. Don’t believe everything you read.
Refrigerator door compartments are too warm to store dairy items. Even though refrigerator commercials often tout their large door compartments as a great place to store milk, it tastes better when it’s cold, so use the door compartments for less perishable items such as condiments.

2. Customize your refrigerator to your lifestyle.
Whether you eat most of your meals in a restaurant, or you’re the next Julia Child, you should figure out how you will use your refrigerator to complement you and your family. If it’s only used to keep leftovers cold, then don’t stock up on lots of perishables you won’t use.

3. Plan your meals for the week.
Put together a master list of meals with ingredients to make food shopping and rotation in the refrigerator easier. You will save money by using up ingredients that you already have on hand and you will save time trying to figure out what to cook when you are hungry! Check out our handy shopping checklist for some great nutritious items that should find their way into your cart.

4. Clean it up.
Purge shelves, drawers and doors each week, throwing away anything past its expiration date. Can’t remember the last time you opened that jar of salsa? When in doubt, throw it out (or recycle!). Then wipe down all surfaces with hot soapy water.

5. Keep it in the zone.
Keep like items together where you can see them, such as kids’ snacks, breakfast items, and lunch fixings. Yogurt containers won’t get lost if they are clustered together in a small plastic tub. Taller items should be kept towards the back of each group of items so that you can see them behind the smaller ones in front.

6. Store it right.
Store food in airtight containers. Reusable, plastic bins are perfect for the job. Purchase about 10 or 12 clear plastic high quality bins of the same brand. They are easier to stack; and see-through containers mean you won’t be guessing what’s inside. Toss out or recycle all those oddball take-out containers.

7. Prepare food for easy accessibility

When coming home from the store, wash, cut and store produce for immediate and easy use. This not only helps you to use things sooner rather than later, it is a great time saver. This also makes it easier to pack lunches for work and school too, if things are already prepared to grab and go (it saves you money by not buying lunch on a daily basis too).

8. Know your food.
Label all containers with a date. Keep a marker or grease pen near the refrigerator for a quick label. This helps to rotate the older foods to the front so they can be eaten first.

9. Keep it cold.
The back and bottom of your refrigerator are the coldest areas, so keep perishables and hardy vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, there. Crisper drawers have higher humidity to keep vegetables such as celery and peppers crisp.

10. Leave it out.
Some things keep better outside the refrigerator, such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and apples. And over-stuffing your refrigerator just makes it work harder and costs more in electricity. So don’t over-stuff yours with items that don’t need to be there.

With these tips, your refrigerator not only will look good, but it will make food preparation and storage a snap.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Look Smart!

2009-11-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Ah, the holiday season. So warm and welcoming with candle lit dinners, warm cozy fireplace settings, family and friends reuniting and delicious once-a-year foods like egg nog and pumpkin pie. Welcome to the beginning of the Holiday Season. I can taste the turkey already, can't you?

What seems like a wonderfully nostalgic time of year quickly turns into the mayhem of "who's hosting, what are you bringing, what can I bring, so-and-so doesn't eat seafood, what else can you make, my kids are sick (can they still come?) and what time should I be there?" (no, it's not just your family, it's everyone.) It can become a daunting task.

OK, so reality sets in and you realize you now have a lot on your plate. So, stop, take a deep breath and remember what the spirit of Thanksgiving is all about; an American celebration of family, friends and traditions over a wonderful homemade meal. Focus on making memories not over-planning. While the premise of Thanksgiving is vast, the meal should be simple. Simplicity is key.

Bishop's Orchards has been helping families manage their Thanksgiving meal plans for six generations and 2009 will be no different. Below are Bishop's Orchards recommendations for Thanksgiving meal preparation and planning. To simplify your life, please see our meal preparation checklist and order form for delicious Thanksgiving meal dishes. On this form you will find items like Mashed Potatoes, Apple Butternut Soup, Petite Rolls, D'Artagan turkeys and pies that can be delegated to Bishop's Orchards for preparation . . . . there, now you can take a few items off your list and focus on having a memorable time. Won't you look smart!

1.) Keep it simple - keeping your plan simple will allow for you to enjoy yourself throughout the day.

2.) Be inspired by local markets and seasonal vegetables - stop by any of the Top 10 Places to Harvest a Connecticut Grown Thanksgiving to be inspired by fresh produce and meats that will make a fresh, mouthwatering and memorable meal. Bishop's was selected as one of the top 10!

4.) Select your appetizers: start a new tradition; make your 1st course a selection of cheeses from Bishop's cheese counter. Allow your guests to try new flavors that they wouldn't normally select. Come in and ask one of our cheese specialists for recommendations and pairings.

5.) Select your soup: Generally soup is labor intensive however, it is always a nice warm welcome as a second course. Pick up Bishop's Apple Butternut Squash Soup or Pumpkin Bisque for you. (go ahead, take the credit, your guests will think that you've taken cooking classes!)

6.) Select your main course: Whether D'artagan Turkey or Ham, Bishop's will order it for you.

7.) Select your side dishes: Check out Bishop's Orchards Farm Market for the Freshest Produce* (*Shoreline Times Best of 2009 Winner) to use for your side dishes, or let us make them for you.

8.) Select your dessert: Make your Apple or Pumpkin pies with the freshest ingredients from Bishop's Orchards or let Bishop's make the pies for your guests.

9.) Choosing Beverages & Serving Wine - Visit Bishop's Orchards Winery wine bar to learn which Connecticut Wines will go best with the meal that you are preparing. Our staff will be eager to help you with your selection. Ensure you have enough beverages for your guests on hand. Our own fresh Apple Cider is a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal and Mulled Cider is always a great ending to any meal. Check out our incredibly easy recipe on Bishop's Orchards Farm Market Facebook Page - recipes page.

NOT MAKING THE MEAL? Don't show up empty handed. As you can see, your host/hostess has gone to a lot of trouble to make your Thanksgiving meal memorable. Please don't show up empty handed.

HOSTESS GIFTS: Bishop's Orchards has many host/hostess gifts for you to bring to the Thanksgiving meal. From Gift Basket and Gift Cards to Award Winning Wine to beautiful Autumn Flowers and Bouquets, we can help you put together a gift that your hostess will appreciate and remember for years to come.

Lastly, as a reminder, focus on simplicity and let Bishop's Orchards help you with your meal preparation. Your guests will be so impressed that you have extra time to mingle while making the meal. Won't you look smart!!

Shore Line Newspaper's BEST OF 2009 Annual Reader's Poll - Bishop's Wins First Prize in 4 Categories

2009-11-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love visiting the shoreline in Connecticut? In the summer it's the beaches and rugged landscapes, in the fall it's the foliage and historic towns, in the winter it's the quintessential holiday charm and in the spring it's the apple blossoms . . . well at least it is for us. Ah, isn't it wonderful to live here?

In revisiting the Connecticut shoreline charm and all that we love about it the Shore Line Newspaper holds an annual Best of Reader's Poll. This is where the people of Connecticut get a chance to vote for their favorite places on the Connecticut shoreline. The categories in the reader's poll range from Best Local Apple Cider to Freshest Seafood Store to Best Breakfast Nook to Best Wellness Center and Best Place to Take a Bike Ride. If you're looking for something to do or somewhere to go on the shoreline you'll find the Best in this reader's poll.

Well, the votes are in. On Friday, October 30, 2009 the Shore Line Newspaper published the Best of 2009 winners. Congratulations to all of the winners.

Bishop's Orchards would like to thank all of our facebook fans (www.facebook.com/bishopsorchardsfarmmarket), twitter fans (www.twitter.com/bishopsorchards), customers, patrons, neighbors and local businesses for voting Bishop's Orchards the Best in these categories:

Best Local Pies

Best Local Apple Cider

Best Produce

Best Local Market (tied with Guilford Food Center)

I'd like to take a moment to congratulate and thank the residents because despite the state of the economy you have continued to support local businesses. Without you there would be nothing to vote for in the reader's poll and the shoreline would look a lot different; so thank you for your continued support in helping make the shoreline a great place to live.

Below is the article that was written in the Shore Line Newspaper about Bishop's Orchards and winning the above first place prizes in the reader poll:

This is not your typical Yankee farmer's market. You could say that Bishop's Orchards is a farmer's market for all seasons.

When you walk into the orchard market at 1355 Boston Post Road in Guilford it is clear that this place is a foodie's Mecca.

First, there is a the colorful produce oh-so enticingly arrayed - there are the usual suspects - apples - from the orchard, plus hard-to-find items, such as black trumpet mushrooms, clam shell mushrooms and tomatillos. Tucked in the limes are bottles of key lime juice, a necessary ingredient for Key Lime Pie.

In the frozen meat case - along with the usual free rang chickens - you'll find wild boar and teriyaki buffalo. In addition to the expected assortment of fruit jellies and jams are Garlic Jelly, Fig Spread and Vidalia Onion jelly. The cheese cases would probably satisfy any epicurean with the impressive variety of goat cheeses in addition to Quince Paste (quince paste!) and cheese flavored with truffles. And, nice hunks of nutty-tasting Parmigiano Reggiano at a reasonable price.

Bishop's has recently launched a selection of fruit-based wines under their own label, with new selections coming out.

Oh, and don't forget the pies, which are worth a special trip. The variety is staggering - there is Peachberry, Fruits of the Farm absolutely loaded with apples, strawberries, rhubarb, blackberries and raspberries and Fruits of the Orchard made with apricots, peaches and cherries.

But to test how good they are, all you have to do - if you haven't yet shopped there - buy one of their homemade pies (apple is the most popular) any of its fresh produce, or its homemade apple cider.

Or try the sushi to go that is fresh or any variety of their health foods.

Can't find some specific item you are searching for? Ask anyone working there and see how courteously you are treated and how quickly you are led to the item you are seeking.

And, don't forget to try the apples, for which this orchard is famous.

Halloween Parade At Bishop's Orchards - October 29, 2009, 4-6pm with Prizes!

2009-10-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Bishop's Orchards is having a Halloween Parade complete with costume prizes for Moms, Dads, Grandparents and children on October 29, 2009 from 4-6pm. The parade will take place near the hay maze at Bishop's Orchards Farm Market. As a notice, this parade originally scheduled for October 28, 2009 however, due to inclement weather, the parade will be on October 29, 2009. We look forward to seeing you all in costumes on Thursday!!

Bishop's Takes on Jones Family Farms in Facebook Fan Challenge

2009-10-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARM – ON LINE! BISHOP’S ORCHARDS VS JONES FAMILY FARMS FOR CHARITY

Farmers spend their entire lives cultivating - apples, vegetables, Christmas trees, pumpkins, squash, pears, and these days – Facebook fans. Two popular Connecticut farms are curious as to who can grow the largest crop of Facebook fans by this Thanksgiving.

Keith Bishop of Bishop’s Orchards (www.facebook.com/bishopsorchardsfarmmarket) in Guilford and Jamie Jones of Jones Family Farms and Winery (www.facebook.com/jonesfamilyfarms) in Shelton are willing to put some charitable money where their mouths are that they can find the most fans. Both farms have fan bases of over 1000 fans already on Facebook and are looking to make those numbers grow.

For every fan that joins their respective Facebook pages between Thursday October 22nd and 8:00am on Friday November 27th (day after Thanksgiving) the two farms have dedicated themselves to donate $1 each (up to a maximum of 5000 fans total between the two farms) to charities of their choosing. Those are the numbers the contest will start at. The friendly battle doesn’t end there however. The second place owner will travel to the winning farm and put in a good honest days work during the Christmas season. As of 8:00 AM on Thursday October 22nd, Jones Family Farms had a total of 1119 fans and Bishop’s Orchards had 1437 fans, those numbers are the start point for the contest.

Bishop’s Orchards will be donating to the Guilford Community Fund, while Jones Family Farms has selected to donate to the Valley United Way. Both farms will also donate a portion of the funds to the Working Land’s Alliance.

The Working Lands Alliance is a CT project of American Farmland Trust. Founded in 1980, American Farmland Trust has helped win permanent protection for over a million acres of American farmland. AFT's hard work and sound strategies unite farmers, environmentalists and policymakers. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Working-Lands-Alliance/126225149625)
The Valley United Way's (http://www.valleyunitedway.org/) mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Valley United Way will measurably improve the lives of people in our community through: Philanthropy, volunteerism and collaboration – Working with others to build coalitions that leverage resources to address identified community priorities.

The Guilford Community Fund (guilfordcommunityfund.org) exists to assist the Guilford community by providing a single entity through which donors can make contributions to support those non-profit organizations best qualified to serve Guilford residents in need. The GCF serves 20 non-profit service agencies and organizations. These organizations provide vital services to Guilford and its residents of all ages from babies to senior citizens.

Fans have been flocking to local farms for years and as the world of technology grows, farms and farmers grow right along with it. The use of Facebook for local farms is a great way to get word out to people who truly want to know what’s going on. Whether Jones Family Farms asking fans to post photos of their visits to the pumpkin patch or Bishop’s Orchards spreading the news of their green initiatives, the use of Facebook to talk to their consumers is a priceless tool. Word-of-mouth advertising helps farms thrive and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter allow the spreading of the word even further. So login to Facebook and show your support for your favorite farm and in the process help out some worthy causes.

Welcome to the Bishop's Orchards Blog!

2009-03-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

Welcome! We are glad you found us. For those of you who are not familiar with Bishop's Orchards and somehow stumbled upon our Blog, we are a Farm Market and Orchard in Guilford, CT. We are a family business that has been around since 1871. We have grown a lot over the past 138 years; We are now a large farm market, selling everything from the freshest and finest produce, to select meats and poultry, groceries, domestic and imported cheeses, dairy products, an in-house bakery, prepared foods, our own winery and much more. Bishop's is dedicated to providing the freshest produce and quality products for our customers. We believe that the closer your food comes from the better. Bishop's works with many farms around the shoreline and state of Connecticut to bring you the taste of LOCAL! If something is not in season in this area, we will bring it in from as close as possible.

With all of this being said, we are still an operational farm, with over 300 acres of land. We grown many fruits and vegetables that we sell at our store and allow customers to come out in the Summer and Fall months to "Pick Your Own." We are most famous for our APPLES! We currently grow over 25 varieties. From our own Apples we make Apple Cider right at our farm market in our cider mill, and from apple cider, we also make... WINE! Find out more about us on our website at www.bishopsorchards.com

What better time to mark the start of our Blog with a Holiday! So Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you! Hoping that the luck of the Irish is on our side, We will continue to update this blog on a weekly basis to stay connected with all of you and keep you informed of what is going on here at Bishop's. From Promotions, Contests, Pick Your Own News, Winery News, Events, Food Recalls, and many more topics for discussion - we will bring them all to you. We want to hear your ideas and comments too!