Musgrave’s apple orchard offers organic alternative

Bloomington’s Musgrave Orchard and Cider Mill is the only place that grows organic apples in Indiana.

This is because Indiana is not a prime location for apple farming, said co-owner Andy Hamilton. The state is known for its abundant and convenient crops such as corn.

“We grow organic apples here, but they aren’t the most visually appealing products because of the difficulty of producing them,” Hamilton said.

Consumers tend to purchase the visually appealing apples, which Hamilton said are not always the healthiest options.

Because of this, the rare Musgrave organic apples are only used to make apple cider.
The cider is sold at the orchard and at locations such as the Indiana Memorial Union and FARM Bloomington on Kirkwood Avenue.

Because of the fickle southern Indiana weather and its adverse effects on apple growing, Hamilton said it is difficult to market the consumer value of his product.
Hamilton said he values healthier lifestyles over consumerism.

Andy Hamilton and his wife, Amy, both IU alumni, purchased the orchard from Bob Musgrave five years ago.

“It was a transitional thing, and there were several owners in between,” Hamilton said.
Lately, Hamilton said he has noticed more IU students visiting the orchard.

“There seems to be a buzz,” he said.

Hamilton said he welcomes IU students. Saturday was particularly busy as IU students, alumni and locals gathered around the Musgrave store and walked around the orchard and mill.

Hamilton said he often cooperates with other Bloomington vendors. At the store, he sells other local products from Hunter’s Honey Farm. Musgrave products are also available at locations such as Bloomingfoods and the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market.