Nemeth Orchards family is now growing its fifth generation

“Apples, they like the cool weather we’ve had this summer,” says Alex, 78, who was a toddler when he first started coming to the market with his Dad.

The Nemeths’ 80-acre farm and orchard, located between Ypsilanti and Milan, produces apples, peaches, pears and cherries, along with a variety of vegetables.

Grandson Jeff Nemeth, 33, sells vegetables at the Farmers Market, just a couple of stalls down the aisle from Alex and Agnes. And Jeff’s daughter, Laila, is only three years old, but she already wants to be part of the action. She has her own little garden with green beans, which her dad helps her harvest and take to market.

This season, the Nemeths are already harvesting Paula Reds and Ginger Golds — good for both eating and baking, advises Agnes.

As Agnes tells the story, she was a city girl from Ypsilanti, working as a hospital clerk, when she married both Alex and the orchard business. Today, the Nemeths have 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandkids — and everyone helps on the farm when they can.

For Nemeth family stories, recipes and updates about what’s in season, check out the Nemeth Orchards blog. It’s new this month from Dianne Nemeth Vargo, the Nemeths’ youngest daughter.

Tip: If you want to make applesauce this fall, Alex and Agnes will custom mix you a variety of apples to yield a delicious final result.

Photos by Julie Wiernik

Julie Wiernik is part of the Community Team at AnnArbor.com and blogs about all things locavore. She can be reached at 734.358.2809 or juliewiernik@annarbor.com.