Drazen Orchards

History

Drazen Orchards traces its history to the early 1800's, when it began as a farm, orchard, and a wood mill.

David Drazen, who specialized in wholesale fruit and produce, purchased the orchard in 1951 and, much to the chagrin of family and friends, moved with his wife, Ida, from the metropolis of New Haven to the hinterlands of Cheshire. At that time, the Orchard was surrounded by farms and forest. The orchard had well-known New England apple varieties, such as Macintosh, Macoun, Baldwin, Rome, and Northern Spy. Trees were large and tall, as was customary, and harvesting required tall ladders and skilled pickers.

Out of care and concern for his many neighbors, who live in homes now surrounding the Orchard, Gordon became an early adapter of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which helps to grow our fruit with the most natural means possible.

Over the years, Gordon replanted the entire Orchard in a compact style utilizing a trellis support system which allows for maximum sunshine, optimal flavor and quality. The Orchard is now operated by son, Eli, and daughter, Lisa, who make their homes on the family farm along with Won Hee and Kevin and Farm Dog, Honeycrisp.

In addition to peaches, plums, and pears, we grow many apple varieties including Cortland, Macoun, Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonagold and Zestar. Our farm stand features our own fruit as well as products from local farms and of course pick-your-own. We hope you love our apples, peaches, pears, and plums as much as we love growing them for you.