As harvest season rolls on, a local infants agency is offering the pick of the Okanagan orchards as a fundraising initiative.
On October 6, Bellies to Babies will bring in a truckload of fresh ambrosia apples from an Okanagan orchard for Cranbrook residents to crunch into.
"To me, I think ambrosias are the best eating apple. They're not designed to be a cooking apple, but they are by far the best eating apple going. I just think they're fabulous," said Pat Chisholm, Bellies to Babies coordinator.
It's the second year Bellies to Babies has run the fundraiser, in collaboration with the United Way of Cranbrook and Kimberley. Those ordering apples can choose whether their funds go directly to Bellies to Babies within the United Way, or to general United Way fundraising.
Last year, about 60 boxes of ambrosia apples were sold in Cranbrook, totalling 1,500 pounds. It raised about $800.
The apples are picked less than a week before they are delivered.
"Compared to a lot of what else you buy, that's pretty fresh," Pat said, adding that they keep well, too.
A 20-pound box of apples is $25; a 10-pound bag is $13. Order apples before October 1 to be sure you don't miss out.
To place an order, email pchisholm_bb@hotmail.com, phone 250-489-5011, or fax an order form to 250-489-5905. Order forms can be picked up at Cranbrook Family Connections.
On Monday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., some of the apples will be for sale outside the United Way office on Baker Street in Cranbrook. There, you can pick up smaller bags of apples.