Melick's Family Fun Day September 14th 12-5 pm
"People want all-natural cider with nothing added, no sugar or preservatives. We sell only pure, unfiltered, fresh-from-the-apple cider."
Oldwick, N.J. (PRWEB) September 04, 2014
Fifty years ago, George Melick, owner of Melick’s Town Farm, saw an opportunity to expand his orchard’s offerings and converted an unused barn on his property to an apple cider mill. On Sunday, September 14, 2014, Melick and his family invite the public to a golden anniversary celebration of cider making with an afternoon of family fun. Visitors will sample fresh apple cider, enjoy a hayride, tour the cider mill and learn how cider is made, and meet the Melick family. Refreshments will also be served. The celebration, which is timed to kick off the annual cider season, will run from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine at 19 King Street in Oldwick, in Hunterdon County.
Melick's Town Farm is the largest fruit grower in central and northern New Jersey, with more than 20,000 apple trees and 4,000 peach trees covering 650 acres on two pick-your-own farms in Oldwick and Califon; the Melicks also operate farm markets in Oldwick and Bridgewater. George, his wife and three grown children are the ninth and tenth generations of Melicks to continue the operation. They grow over 20 varieties of apples in any given season and produce over 100,000 gallons of cider a year. They often run the cider press seven days a week to keep up with demand.
Melick explained that they do not use any preservatives or added sugar, and use cold pasteurization (using UV light) to maintain the highest quality cider and retain the flavor.
“People like to go back to the basics; they want all-natural cider with nothing added, no sugar or preservatives,” said Melick. “We sell only pure, unfiltered, fresh-from-the-apple cider.”
In addition to local supermarkets, consumers can purchase Melick’s apple cider at the farm’s three retail markets and at various farmers markets throughout northern and central New Jersey during the season. The Oldwick and Califon farms offer pick-your-own apples and pumpkins throughout September and October. The family’s separate Oldwick Market is open daily, stocked with a large selection of the produce grown at both farm locations: apples, peaches, berries, vegetables, flowers, and of course, premium apple cider. Shoppers may also buy baked goods, plants and shrubs, jams and jellies and seasonal decorations.
To reach Melick’s cider mill and orchard, take exit 24 off I-78 and travel north one mile to King Street in Oldwick, NJ. Anyone interested in the history of cider making may purchase a copy of a cider booklet written by George Melick, available at the farm or by mail. For more information: Visit Our Website or Find Us On Facebook
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