Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer Fun on the Shoreline

Posted on July 19, 2019 by

As the song says, dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer, because this season, the best days of summer fun start and end at Bishop’s Orchards!

With our Ice Cream Stand now open, there is no better place to beat the summer heat than on the shoreline, and no better way to complete the experience than with what we have to offer.

You can start the day before the temperature is at its highest point with a trip to our main orchard to Pick Your Own blueberries – which are entering peak season. Later this summer, peaches and raspberries will also be available for picking. Hours and locations differ daily, but typically include half days on weekdays and longer hours on weekends, weather and crowds permitting. Before heading out, please call 203-458-PICK for updates. Pick a little for snacking or take some home to freeze or make homemade jams or sorbet! It doesn’t get any fresher than straight from the farm, so add a Pick Your Own trip to your summer itinerary.

After an early morning trip to our orchard, you can head to a local beach, like Jacob’s Beach in Guilford or Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, to cool off. Remember, no picnic lunch on the sand and by the sea would be complete without a little lunch or snacks gathered from our Farm Market on the way. When your time at the beach comes to a close, head downtown to enjoy a farm-to-table meal or other unique culinary experience at one of our popular local eateries, such as Bufalina – offering wood-fired pizza – South Lane Bistro, or Ballou’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.

End your day where it began, and let the Scoop Crew at Bishop’s help you figure out what flavor will be the perfect cherry on top of your summertime outing.

As promised, our Ice Cream Stand is now open daily in Guilford off the side of our Farm Market at 1355 Boston Post Road in Guilford. We have a brand new large patio with umbrellas for shade, ready to accommodate plenty of families looking for a sweet treat.

The Ice Cream Stand is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. We offer 25 flavors including soft serve and hard serve ice creams in cups or cones. Sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches and our specialty, the Bishop’s Blitz, are all delightful dessert options!

Try some of our most popular flavors – such as Maine Wild Blueberry, Moose Tracks or Unicorn Delight – or perhaps select a low-fat frozen yogurt or non-dairy flavor. We’re prepared to accommodate dietary needs so just ask a Scoop Crew member for assistance. Our varieties change day to day.

While summertime is a great time to cool off with an ice cream cone, the Bishop’s Orchards Ice Cream Stand is open all year round. Since you’re already coming to the Farm Market for your grocery needs, why not add a scoop or two into the equation?

For now, with summer in full swing, every concert on the green or outdoor expo can be part of an agenda that starts and ends at Bishop’s Orchards and is full of flavor and summertime sweetness courtesy of our creamery! Roll out those lazy, hazy crazy days of summer at Bishop’s and you certainly will wish that summer could always be here.

Fruits and Vegetables From The Farm

Posted on June 20, 2019 by

Here on the farm we are always busy. This season has been a little tougher than most as we seem to always be working to get everything done in between rainy weather. The rain can be a blessing while also a curse. Large amounts of rain have kept us from needing to irrigate, but we are having to work around wet grounds, with equipment getting stuck. Some of our vegetable crops had an issue setting due to the rain, so we had to replant. Our own squash and peppers were some of those crops.

For well-established crops, the rain is great to have, especially in our strawberry fields. We have lots of berries coming into the farm market and pick your own has been able to sustain plenty of hours. With a later variety called Malwina, we expect for strawberry picking to last into July. Our blueberry crop is coming in strong and healthy, with the second week of July looking to be opening day for pick your own. This year’s crop should last into early September. Peach thinning in the orchard continues to go well.

Our early plants like kale and peas are doing well, with some already being used in our CSA program. Tomatoes will be coming into the farm market soon, with grape and cherry tomato pints always being a favorite. Other produce to look out for that are Bishop’s own are sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and brussels sprouts. These are all now in the ground and handling all this rain well.

Pick Your Own Has Officially Opened!

Posted on June 19, 2019 by

The most wonderful time of the year is here at Bishop’s Orchards! School is out and Pick Your Own is OPEN!! Customers and staff are always eager to start, but we must wait for the PERFECT time to open the fields. Every year we start with strawberries, the shortest but most delicious season! Our berries are soft and delicate but packed with juicy flavor. Picking hours right now are sporadic, generally half days Monday-Friday and extended hours on weekends. We are hopeful that the season will last up to 4th of July, giving us a brief break before we open pick your own blueberries.

Blueberry picking is a longer season here on the farm. Just like our strawberries, the blueberries grow in several varieties that continuously ripen throughout the season. Pick your own blueberries generally starts around mid-July and remains open through late August. They have a longer availability for picking as we rotate picking areas from start to finish. The best thing about our blueberries is their sustainability. Whether you want to enjoy them fresh or frozen, these berries can last the longest. Pick them in bulk so you can freeze some to enjoy over the year, while baking a few fresh treats now.

While spending time with family and friends at Pick Your Own, make sure to share your experience with us socially online!! Tag your photos on Facebook and Instagram with “#PickBishops” and you might just see your photos featured on our site! What is the importance of a hashtag you might ask? Hashtags are used to categorize online content, making the detection of new or related content easy to do! At Bishop’s we enjoy using our customer’s materials as a way of promoting our family friendly experiences on the farm. Whether that be an image off Facebook, or a blog written about a CSA Share! If you see something you posted, reused by us, it was most likely found because of your hashtag!

During the summer, our PICK line can be used to stay informed on what season we are in and picking hours. Call 203-458-PICK for directions and prices. Before we know it, we will be opening peaches and raspberries in August! Visit us online for a calendar of seasons.

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for ICE CREAM!

Posted on June 19, 2019 by

For a number of years, we have been talking about “what’s next?”  What is the next thing we are going to do to offer our customers and visitors?  While

we are always adding/growing new varieties of apples, planting new crops, and expanding our product lines in the farm market, we were looking to do something else.  Something that fits in with the Farm Market that people will look forward to and enjoy coming.

As my sister and I have grown up watching the company evolve through the years, we have always asked ourselves, what is going to be our mark?  What changes are we going to bring to the company?  While we have a number of things in the works, some small but impactful, there have been a couple bigger ideas that we hope come to fruition (pun intended) within the next 5 years.  While we continue to plan for some of those “other” things to happen, one plan is already underway and we are about to take-off!

A few years back we started making our own Ice Cream.  We are making Ice Cream almost daily and have over 40 flavors that we sell by the quart in our Farm Market.  One of the most popular ones being our “Fradiani Frenzy,” which we started making when Nick Fradiani from Guilford was competing and went on to win American Idol in 2015.

Since Ice Cream was already something that we were making, we figured, why not expand on that?  And so, the idea was born!  Many of our other farm colleagues around New England have expanded their offerings over the years to have Ice Cream stands on their farm.  It seems to be a popular destination for people as they come to visit the farm, pick their own fruit, shop in the farm market and/or come for Ice Cream.   Now we just had to figure out where we were going to do it.  After all the brainstorming, we figured it would be best to build it into the existing farm market building and be able to offer it all year round!

We started construction at the end of May and we are just a couple weeks away from opening!  We are putting in walk-up windows, an outdoor patio, and we have some new equipment coming to offer some fun Ice Cream treats!  For those of you who have been shopping with us the last month and have seen the construction happening first hand, thank you for your cooperation and patience as we have moved things around on you!

We are excited to be making “our mark” and offering something that everyone loves!  We will have something for everyone! We will have Hard and Soft Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Vegan Ice Cream (we want to make everyone happy), and other Ice Cream related treats as well!  So, as the summer season kicks off, our Ice Cream stand will soon be open for business and ready to help you, your family, and friends to cool off with a sweet treat!

Make sure you follow us on Facebook and watch for out for our Grand Opening!  We hope you come by and check it out, and then come back for more!

Order Online For Pickup

Posted on June 14, 2019 by

NEW! We have recently added our most popular items to a new, online ordering platform. Using this new ordering system, you can pre-order groceries for curbside pickup. No need to get out of your car!

Additional items are added on a regular basis and we look forward to serving you both onsite and online in the seasons ahead.

Here’s the Scoop!!

Posted on June 14, 2019 by

Bishop’s Orchards Creamery features delicious flavors, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and our specialty… the Bishop’s Blitz!!! Delicious and fun flavors for everyone include Sea Salt Caramel, Moose Tracks, Fly Fishing Fudge and Black Raspberry!! Specialty flavors for dietary needs are also available!

It’s Grilling Time!

Posted on June 13, 2019 by

Now that it’s summer, it’s finally time to dust off that grill and get cooking! Make Bishop’s your one stop shop this year for all your grilling necessities! We supply everything that you need for your summer night BBQ. From fresh produce to hot dog and hamburger buns, we have you covered. We are excited to announce that our delicious Bishop’s own prepared grilled meals are back in the market! These grilled meals are sure to please, and come with everything that you need to make a wonderful dinner!

This year we have worked hard on our recipes, and have selected five great options for you to enjoy. Each tasty meal features a different flavor profile, and is sealed in an airtight bag. Cooking instructions are found on the back of the bag, making it quick and easy to grill at home. Meal portions typically feed between 2-4 people.

Our Grilled Meals

Tequila Blood Orange Pork Loin– This meal is fun and unique. Delicious pork loin and fresh cut blood oranges are marinated in a blend of tequila, garlic, parsley, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil! Looking to add more? Pick up some potatoes and grill them for a yummy side dish!

Apple Balsamic Chicken- Looking for something classic and healthy? Try this meal. Boneless chicken thighs are marinated in chicken broth, our own apple cider, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme and garlic! Grab some fresh zucchini from the market, and grill them for a great tasty vegetable side.

Autumn Apple Chicken- You may recognize this meal from our winter crock pot selection. It is so popular that we decided to make it in to a grilled meal! This dish has a bunch of tasty flavors all in one marinade. Boneless chicken thighs and fresh cut apples are mixed with our own apple cider, BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic, onions, salt and pepper. This meal pairs well with Bishop’s hard cider. If you haven’t had a chance to try our hard cider yet, stop on by for a tasting.

Orange Cilantro Chicken– This recipe is perfect for the summer because the chicken is marinated in orange and lime juice. It also includes cilantro, salt, oregano, and jalapeño. What an interesting combo! Compliment this dinner with some fresh Bishop’s own asparagus. Coat the asparagus with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and grill it.

Grilled Steak Marinade – No summer BBQ is complete until you add steak! This meal features high quality flank steak marinated in soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, basil, parsley and black pepper. Grill up some red and green peppers to go with it.

 

With all of these options available, make it your goal this summer to try each one! Also check back because we are always coming up with new ideas, and we may just add more grilled meals to our menu! As always, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments, so stop by and let us know how you are enjoying these meals!

Making Our Mark

Posted on May 22, 2019 by

February 5, 2018 was a day that was “history making” in the then 147 years (now 148) of Bishop’s Orchards being in business. While it wasn’t a day that was record setting in sales, or a new business venture for our evolving farm and market, it was a day when the 6th Generation females in the business were promoted to Executive Leaderships roles in the company. The key word in that sentence is “females.” For the last 5 generations, all Executive roles were held by Bishop Men.  While there have been other Bishop women that have played important roles in the business, never has the company been run by them.

The 5th Generation Co-CEO’s of Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market and Winery transitioned their leadership and daily operations to the two of us, sisters, of the 6th generation of family members. Sarah Bishop DellaVentura and Carrie Bishop Healy were promoted to be the company’s Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer respectively.  Both of us grew up in the family business, working alongside our parents, Keith & Debbie in numerous roles starting during our teenage years (at least that’s when we first received a legal paycheck).

Growing up in the family business may have looked differently to us than it did to the previous generations. We were always around and seeing different aspects as our parents and grandparents all worked in the business, but we weren’t necessarily doing the “hard labor” on the farm that Keith (our father) and Jonathan (our second cousin – once removed) did growing up. Being part of 4 siblings we all had our different strengths and interests, and we never felt pressured to join the business.

We both chose our own paths after high school and we ultimately ended back in the business. Coming from different backgrounds in degree choices in college and previous work experience (which is required before joining the business full time) allows us to have different areas of focus in the business. It strengthens the company and ourselves to be able to come from different sides, but at the end of the day we balance each other to do what is best.

We have watched this business evolve over the years in the hands of previous generations and we take pride in continuing what they have built. We have committed ourselves to the business, as well as our staff and the community. As a family business, six generations in, we want to continue to carry on the business and stewardship for future generations to come with the same high reputation and regard and expanding on the areas that complement the business.

We look forward to communicating with all of you in the months to come about new initiatives and exciting projects we are working on, our community relations, as well as interesting stories that we think you might enjoy reading about.  We love hearing from our customers too; We encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with us!

We thought we would leave you with a couple clues to some upcoming news we will be sharing with you in the coming weeks… Clue one has to do with plastic bags, and Clue two has to do with a sweet treat!  Stay tuned!

Thank you for your Patronage!

Sarah Bishop DellaVentura and Carrie Bishop Healy

All Things Local & Fresh!

Posted on May 20, 2019 by

We have officially begun the start of our peak season here at Bishop’s Orchards. Spring represents growth on the farm, with an abundance of locally grown produce making its way into the farm market. We LOVE this time of year when picking fresh is easier than ever! Whether it be Bishop’s own produce, picking your own, or from other local farms, this time of year is only the beginning of what’s to come!

Strawberry season is right around the corner and perfect for families to enjoy once school is out! Our strawberries always signify the start of our Pick Your Own season here at Bishop’s Orchards. Strawberry season, though short and quick, is highly anticipated because these berries are delicious and juicy! Whether you are picking some up in the farm market or picking your own in the fields, there is nothing fresher! Generally, strawberries are available in the farm market early June, with the pick your own fields opening mid-June. Mark your calendars for a day of fun, taking your family and friends out to the pick your own fields!

Right now, we have a limited supply of our popular Bishop’s Asparagus, which we expect to have for another three weeks. Also, our Herb Plants are continuously coming in from the greenhouse. Currently we have basil, flat parsley, dill, thyme, cilantro & rosemary. Soft grounds from all the rain, make this the perfect time for planting these plants in your own garden! Local spinach from Anderson Farms in Wethersfield is available in the farm market. This family farm has been around since 1856. They grow around thirty different fruits and vegetables that they distribute all over the state. Local tomatoes from March Farms in Bethlehem will be making their way into the farm market soon. March Farms has been around since 1915 with about 130 acres and dozens of greenhouses.

Keep an eye out for more locally grown produce coming into the Farm Market. For a line-up on what more you can expect from this year’s pick your own schedule, visit our website!

 

 

Update from the Winery

Posted on May 20, 2019 by

We’re in the midst of working with over 15 batches of fruit fermenting from last year’s crops, racking and preparing for blending and bottling. It’s exciting because we have several out of stock popular wines that will be re-released in June, like our Double Gold Winner Rubus’ Nightfall, Hyland Red (both made with our own raspberries), Crimson Rose, Whitfield’s Pearadox and Strawberry Delight.  Plan a visit to our wine bar soon to check out these wines!

For those of you who like a refreshing Sparkling Wine, we are in the formulation and label approval process with TTB for a Strawberry Wine blend, made with our own strawberries. This will complement our other sparkling products, Rubus’ Nightfall, Sachem’s Twilight and Hard Ciders.

Speaking of Hard Ciders, stay tuned as we are preparing for a mid-summer launch of several new hard ciders, to be released in cans. Our constant desire to be ‘greener’ means a shift to aluminum cans from bottles for our most popular ciders, as they are much more easily recycled and less bulky. Thimble Island Brewery in Branford started having our Hard Cider on tap in October, and we will be expanding our on-tap locations as our production capacity allows.  Remember, our Hard Ciders and Wines are made with Gluten free ingredients.

Did you know that our Hard Cider is truly local, fresh and all fruit based?  Its 100% fresh apple cider, fermented in batches of 200 to 500 gallons, using multiple yeast strains, then blended together for the desired flavor profiles.  We do not use concentrates, flavorings or dilute the cider.  It is then aged for 3 to 12 months to further develop its character.  Many non-farm based Cideries buy juice or concentrate as they need it made with cull apples, (‘dessert’ varieties packed for supermarket shelves) that do not have the flavor profiles to make a rich flavorful hard cider. Our blends are heavy on varieties including IdaRed, Stayman, Golden Delicious and Jonagold, with less known varieties like Baldwin, Russet, plus culls from our packing line.

Mike Costa joined us an Assistant Winemaker last fall and I’m pleased to have his talents working to grow our offerings and keep a watchful eye on quality that is driven by excellent sanitation procedures.

Finally, I would be remiss to reflect that work on legislative issues to support and protect agriculture have also kept me busy.  As the final weeks of the CT Legislature’s 2019 session are upon us, we still have major work to fine tune HB 647 regarding liquor permits and sales, and not have other bills put undue burdens on small businesses, including farmers like us.  Your support for our business is appreciated and supports our managing over 300 acres of land.

Look forward to seeing you on our farm, Keith Bishop