Looking for fresh California-grown produce to celebrate the start of the school year? California Gravenstein apples are only available to schools for a few short weeks, but they’re well worth the wait. These sweet-tart heirloom apples arrive in August just in time for back-to-school season. They’re a favorite among California school districts because they’re locally grown and have a unique history in the state. Plus, every purchase helps support Sonoma County farmers and preserve one of California’s rarest heritage apples.
What Are California Gravenstein Apples?
Sebastopol Gravensteins are one of the best early-season California apples. They have tender skin and a sweet-tart flavor and can be red, green, or striped. Gravensteins arrived in the Golden State with Russian travelers in 1811 and used to be very popular. They were a favorite snack during World War II, when American troops ate them dried and in sauce. They’re much rarer today, but you can still find them for sale through The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program every August.
Why Are Gravensteins So Rare?
Over the years, Sebastopol’s Gravenstein orchards started to disappear, replaced by wine grapes and other crops that had longer harvests and were easier to ship. Today, Gravensteins are considered an endangered heritage food and are beloved by locals for their unique flavor and baking prestige. Though they’re famous enough in Sebastopol that the Gravenstein Union School District shares their name, many students outside the region have never tried one.
Which Sonoma County Farms Still Grow Gravenstein Apples?
Only a few Sonoma County farmers still grow Gravensteins. The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program buys them directly from organic farmers Stan Devoto of Devoto Gardens & Orchards and John Kolling of Appleseed Farms, who are both dedicated to helping preserve this historic variety. Some of John’s Gravenstein trees are living history, dating all the way back to 1895!
Why Are Gravenstein Apples a Great Farm-to-School Produce Pick?
Gravensteins are a great choice for California school districts because they’re locally grown by Sonoma County farmers, have a long history in California, and have a fun sweet-tart flavor that students love. The FruitGuys’ Gravensteins are also organically grown. Farmer Stan Devoto even uses the climate-friendly practice of dry farming to save water, relying on rain and fog to nurture his orchards.
How to Use Gravenstein Apples in School Nutrition Programs
Gravensteins are delicious fresh, baked, dried, or cooked into sauce. They’re typically in season right at the start of the school year and make a great back-to-school fruit snack. The schools we work with love to purchase them for:
- Back-to-School Night celebrations
- School meal programs (breakfast, lunch, snacks, healthy desserts)
- Summer programs
- Welcome back treats for staff
- Fruit tastings for students
You can serve them on their own or alongside with other early local apples for schools, like Galas, Fujis, and Pink Pearls.
Help Save the Gravenstein and Support Local Farmers with The FruitGuys’ Annual Gravenstein Apple Box
Every year, The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program sells organic Gravenstein apples in bulk to districts like yours. It’s our way of celebrating this endangered fruit and helping preserve it for future generations! We source our Gravs from Sonoma County farmers and give them an extra 16% of the proceeds from every box to help keep their orchards thriving.
There are two ways for you to order this special box for your school district, and both come with access to nutrition education materials to help you share the story of this special fruit.
How California Schools Can Order Gravenstein Apples
The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program makes it easy for California school districts to order California Gravenstein apples for their schools. You don’t have to be a current client to purchase them—any district is welcome to reach out.
- If you already work with The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program, you can find organic Gravenstein apples listed on our price sheets during the summer months. Once you check out the price and decide how many boxes you need, contact us to place an order.
- If you’re not working with our Farm-to-School Program yet, just fill out this quick form to let us know that you’re interested in Gravensteins. We’ll be in touch soon to let you know whether they’re in season and available for delivery in your area.
Bringing Gravensteins to your schools gives your students the opportunity to try a unique piece of California-grown produce and supports local farms at the same time. It’s a win for their health and our regional food system.
FAQs About Gravenstein Apples
1. When are Gravenstein apples in season?
Farmers typically harvest Gravensteins in late July and sell them to schools in August.
2. Where are Gravenstein apples grown?
Gravensteins originated in Europe, but in the US, they typically grow around Sebastopol in Sonoma County, California.
3. Why are Gravenstein apples special?
Their sweet-tart flavor, short harvest season, and heritage status make them one of California’s most celebrated apples.
4. Can you buy California Gravenstein apples for schools?
Yes! The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program offers bulk organic Gravenstein apples to California schools every year during their short summer season.
5. Are Gravenstein apples good for school meals?
Yep, they’re delicious fresh out of hand, baked into healthy desserts, or cooked into applesauce. Try them for school breakfasts, lunches, snacks, tastings, and events.