From Gravenstein-scented soaps to apple butter, shrubs and beautiful bowls, apple lovers will adore these products.
Bringin’ the Bounty: Bring Gravensteins and other farmer’s market treasures with these showstopping handwoven bags. Fun bubbles and dreamy gingham make hauling produce a runway-worthy act. Made in Madagascar. $57-89, E.I. Home (formerly Eurasian Interiors), 23590 Arnold drive, 707-701-1018, eihomesf.com
The Apple of My Highball: Little Apple Treats’ apple shrub is made using an apple cider vinegar base made from apples grown on their Sebastopol farm. With an infusion of the property’s Meyer lemons and NorCal grown blood oranges, this shrub is great to mix in a cocktail, mocktail or salad dressing. $24.95, Little Apple Farm Treats, 707-849-8547, littleappletreats.com
Gravenstein Grandstand: Perfectly grown bounty needs an epic showing. This hand thrown bowl is a perfect stage for a scrumptious harvest haul. Mendocino-based ceramic artist, Colleen Hennessey says her pieces are “simple, functional ceramics inspired by growing and cooking food.” Ms. Hennessey, we salute you. $52-$140, In the Making Petaluma, 122b American Alley, Petaluma, inthemakingpetaluma.com
Baker’s Best: If the apple crop has you spending hours in the kitchen turning out pies, cobblers and sauce, make sure you’re covered in something as stylish as it is protective. $190, Scout West County, 6780 Depot Street Suite 140, Sebastopol, 707-827-6045, Scout Healdsburg, 418 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, 707-395-0465, scoutwestcounty.com. Check website for store hours.
An Apple Cookie A Day: These crispy oatmeal apple cookies have been doctored up with dried apples, quinoa flakes, chocolate and vanilla. Offer this apple variation to the teacher or as an after-school snack. $9.95 (6 oz. bag), Little Apple Farm Treats, 707-849-8547, littleappletreats.com
Spectacular Spread: McEvoy Ranch uses their own gravenstein and granny smith apples to make this versatile and delicious apple butter. Great for spreading on a deli sandwich, Brie or toast, adding to desserts, or including in your oatmeal, smoothie or over toasted pecans. $9, McEvoy Ranch, 707-778-2307, mcevoyranch.com
Sooo Sebastopol Soap: Three Sister’s Apothecary soap is made in small batches using a traditional process that naturally retains the glycerin. Penngrove-based Soap Cauldron’s naturally derived scents are wicked good. Clean up in full harvest spirit with this Gravenstein Apple and Clove Bar soap. $6.00, 5400 Old Redwood Highway, North Penngrove, 707-888-5659, soapcauldron.com
Apple Adventures: Celebrate and support Sonoma County’s celebrated apple crop by attending the Gravenstein Apple Fair under the oaks at Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol. Enjoy a day of apple and cider sampling, numerous farm vendors, live music, Ag games (apple pie-eating, watermelon seed spitting), a DIY instructional line-up (soap-making, fiber dying) and more! Home cooks can enter the pie-baking contest. $15 (adults), $10 (kids 12 and under), $25 (Artisan Tasting Lounge), August 17 & 18,10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol, gravensteinapplefair.com
It’s time to get excited about apples! Sebastopol’s celebrated Gravenstein crop is here and there are ways to get in on the eating action. Here are a few products from Sonoma County stores to help you celebrate all that juicy flavor—click through the above gallery for details.
