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Western Cape
Staring in Somerset West, the first place worth seeing is Lourensford estate fruit company. During the summer months it is a well worth visit to see the harvesting and packing .The fertile soils on this estate produce large quantities of apples, pears and plums. Lourensford has almost 350 hectares under fruit, of which all is packed in it’s own packhouse that also packs fruit from other producers as well.
The rich soil and climate produce excellent vines, and this area is fast becoming one of the most revered wine estates in South Africa, of which already 300 hectares are already planted.
Kromco Pty Ltd is one of the larger deciduous packing facilities in the Western Cape. Situated between Grabouw and Elgin, Kromco has over the years grown a reputation as a trusted fruit brand, with a packing arrangement contract with over 20 fruit producers. They adhere the most strict international procedures. From the orchards the fruit goes through the necessary procedures and then kept in strict cold chain protocols until being dispatched to the markets around the world.
Kromco stores about 75% in capacity of its annual produce and 25% under regular cooling atmosphere, making it possible for them to service markets through out the year meeting high standards required in fruit.
Glen Fruin is a very scenic farm with two dams and lots of land for cattle grazing. It is 400 hectare in extent. The farm grows a variety of fruits namely apples pears kiwis and persimmons. This farm is on the way out of Elgin.
Oak Valley Estates
This fruit farm is 1786 hectares, in the Elgin valley out of Grabouw. The valley is renowned for its fruits, apples, pears and stonefruit, cutflowers, beef cattle and for its high quality cool wines.
The fruit orchards in oak have just produced a record crop of apples and pears which has
exceeded 17 000 tonnes. The fruit quality of the estate is excellent.
Lorraine fruit farm
This farm is an organic Farm, growing 30ha of organic cling peaches, organic apples and organic pears. On this farm they have pioneered organic pome fruit and deserves a special place in the SA fruit route, apples comprise of the 85%, pears 8% and cling peaches 7%.
Large flock of ducks control the snail population and house for bats to keeping the farm eco- friendly. Indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted encouraging bio-diversity and breeding habitants for birds and beneficial insects. Everyone working there is committed to the organic routine
Peregrine Farm Stall
One of Cape Town’s original farm stalls is the Pereegrine, which has a variety of foods, fruits and wines .They serve lovely quiches, tarts, cakes and pecan nut pies.
There is a real treat for those with sweet cravings, also available are freshly baked bread and rolls and other pastries, including mosbolletjies. Peregrine is famous for it’s big fresh apples and 100% fruit juice.
Thandi Farm Kitchen
In season this is an ideal place for fresh veggies and fruit grown on the farm, not to mention the freshly squeezed Elgin apple juice.
Situated beyond the Bot river is the Gabrielskloof winery and deli a new development, visible are large plantings of olives and grapes indicating big plans, definitely a place worth visiting. Fruits that grow successfully in this area are apples strawberries and raspberries.
Between Bot River and Caledon is Dassiesfontein farm stall, whose look belies what is inside. Available are home made goodies and lots to see, some array of cooking pots and fire wood stoves at affordable prices. The food is homemade South African cuisine and cold beer, a cup of hot coffee makes it even more enjoyable.
Villiersdorp is a town well known for it’s fruit farms. Situated on the banks of Elands River is a restaurant and farm stall that opens 7days a week for breakfast and lunch .
Your visit to Cape Town is incomplete if you have not visited the delightful quaint town of Franschhoek, popular and respected for it’s excellent cuisine, it is also a wine producing area, fruits grown in this fertile valley easily overlooked .
Rhodes Fruit Farms.
Rhodes fruit farm draws its raw material from the fruit farms in this area. Rhodes fruit farm cannery was founded in 1897. It produces quality canned deciduous fruit and a full range of traditionally styled jams and marmalades recognized around the world as a well established and successful canned fruit supplier.
The majestic Franschoek mountains provide a picturesque backdrop to the the surrounding vineyards and orchards. The orchards have rows of nectarines peaches plums and soft citrus which produce beautiful fruit in summer.
Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch farms grow fruit for export, up market stores and their own farm stalls. Fruits grown here are pears peaches plums soft citrus and nectarines.
Mooiberg Farm Stall.
You will be greeted by scarecrows surrounding this place. Inside is a large selection of dried fruit s and nuts, refreshing fruit juices ,ice creams and sweets, and of course the well taken care of strawberries by these scarecrows. There is a wine cellar with some oldest wines available in retail outlet dating back to the 1970’s, so don’t forget your wallet!
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