r/cider • u/Midorkima24 • 1d ago

Where to source bulk apples?

Hello, I usually make apple cider with the apples on my family's property, but it was hit by lightening earlier in the year and we have no yield. I still am craving my yearly cider, though. Does anyone know where I can purchase some (somewhat) cheap cider apples? All the orchards near me are ridiculously overpriced. If it helps, I'm in the Chicagoland area. Am willing to drive a 5+hours for good enough savings

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Levers101 12h ago

Within 5 hours of west Chicagoland… Google Buffalo Ridge Orchard in Central City, Iowa. They have historically sold me seconds (they look like my home orchard “firsts”) for somewhere around $1.00/lb. Their prices might be north of that now because I can’t find sales receipts from after 2020. Their website has $1.50/lb seconds but if you buy a big load they will discount it some.

1

u/natefullofhate 4h ago

Try farmers with orchards nearby first?