Inglis Orchard View
A unique crabapple found at Inglis Orchard View
With over 32 varieties of apples to boast, many of them local heritage varieties – Inglis Orchad View is not a small organic operation. Nestled between the North and South Mountains beside Annapolis River and in the heart of the Annapolis Valley – their orchards are steeped in history. Hosting some of the ancient Acadien varieties of apples, with claims that the Acadiens actually planted many of the orchard areas still in use to this day!
The farm is at least in its 5th generation of use and the Inglis’ moved to the farmhouse in 1987 – becoming certified organic as soon as possible. By 1991, they had a small five-acre organic orchard and they have been expanding ever since. Their organic orchard has grown to 25 acres with another 5 acres currently in transition. When they started, they were the only certified organic apple producer that they were aware of, so they had to be very resourceful and experimental in trying to deal with issues unheard of in conventional farming.
Among many of their heritage varieties, Inglis Orchard View boasts the one and only Bishop’s Pippin – an old variety of apple that was developed by one of their ancestors: Bishop Charles Inglis in the late 18th century.
Inglis Orchard View Farm has a “self-serve stand” where travellers by are welcome to browse the little shop and are trusted to pay the price as marked into a little money bin. They have cider available year-round – and a great cider at that – the Inglis’ are very particular about quality; thus, they use the best varieties they grow, such as golden russets, to make apple cider. They use no preservatives and are lucky to be able to produce unpasteurized fresh cider!
Considered the pioneer of organic apples in Nova Scotia, Jim Inglis is also a full-time dentist. He always had a passion for growing apples – one that exceeded the issue of his allergies to both apple blossoms and bees. Jim Inglis also suffers from asthma, and that was the final factor when deciding to switch to organics. “We wanted to address the health concerns of both ourselves and our consumers” – so he happily took on the family business with a twist: growing organically. |
