Almar Orchards

Delicious organic Scrumpy’s cider and homemade donuts. It doesn’t get much better than this. We usually go to the cider mill in Parshallville, but after a few visits to Almar, it’s quickly becoming my preferred stop for cider and donuts. Prices are surprisingly low considering the high quality. Donuts are only $ 7 for a dozen. The glazed Apple donuts are delicious. Both pasteurized and non-​pasteurized cider options are available, depending on what you need. Beyond the regular cider, I really enjoyed the Scrumpy’s hard cider varieties, which come in both packs or in single cans. Northern Neighbour is excellent! Very hospitable service. I was impressed with how friendly and helpful the staff is.

How is it that I’m only the third Unilocal review? How is the entire Metro Detroit area not all hopping in their cars and driving here forgoing the usual haunts of Blakes, Spicers, Diehls, Longs and Franklin?
Certified organic, local and even affordable? It can’t possibly be. Doesn’t Whole Foods actually make sure the three don’t intersect? Not any more!
We found everyone who worked here to be well educated on everything from organics to digestion. They’re not doctors but rather believers in a higher level of commitment between growers and consumers. In an era where big ag could care less, the service providers at Almars simply care that much more. We spoke with Jim, the owner of this 150 year old operation. He shared with us his philosophy and you feel the passion this man has not just for agriculture but rather the relationship of the entire community he serves. How refreshing!
We purchased three gallons of certified organic, unpasteurized apple cider (one for immediate drinking and two for freeezing) for $ 10.50 a gallon. That’s right. There are no poisons or pesticides – just pure apple cider. Pasteurized is also available if that’s your preference. Additionally, we purchased house made hard cider that puts Woodchuck and Angry Orchard to shame; there are 5 varieties that range in flavors and ACV. Look for the mis-​stickered bottles and save $ 0.25 per bottle. Donuts are nut free and come in 6 kinds. I like the apple glazed, kids like the apple with sprinkles. Local, raw honey was available in sizes from 6oz to one gallon. We purchased a large container. Doesn’t go bad and we go through lots of honey. And of course we purchased apples. We came specifically for organic honey crisps and a variety we never even heard before. The store has a variety of other local and organic products from the Bee All Natural line as well as other varieties from the farm such as popcorn and pumpkins.
There are animals to look at and a play area for kids. We drove from Hamtramck and will easily make the drive again in a couple of weeks as other apple varieties come available and for refills of that hard cider which will be a must at deer camp this year.

We’ve been getting apples and cider from them for years, and they have the best in Michigan. When we started they were not fully certified, but now they are 100% Organic. They also offer U-​Pick apples. Season permitting, if you can get apples from them, the ultimate varieties they grow are Honey Crisp, Gala, Johnagold. We also buy their second-​picks by the bushel, which may not look the best on the outside, but are usually 99% perfect otherwise. I put Moderate pricing because they are so worth what you pay. They also supply area Whole Foods Markets and other outlets.

I like their crisp organic-​certified cider cold but its still delicious at room temperature. You taste cinnamon in the first couple of sips. Orchard Gate Gold is less fizzy than cidre, which I really miss. I’ve wanted to press apples at an orchard but I didn’t know that it had to be aged or fermented. The alcohol content is about 6%.
The waitress said it isn’t sweet but its just less so than apple juice. There are no artificial colors or flavors, just added yeast. They sold it during the Great Depression and as «Special Farm Cider» during Prohibition. Named after the current owner’s grandparents, this family farm is over 150 years old. This is probably not the best thing to drink for breakfast.