Mountain-Grown Sweetness at Cuyama Orchards

High in the mountains of , where crisp alpine air meets sunshine, there’s a place where some of the finest organic apples grow to perfection. At 3,300 feet in elevation, surrounded by towering peaks and National Forest land, Cuyama Orchards has been tending its apple trees with dedication and care for over three decades.

In 1992, Howard and Jean Albano took a leap of faith and plowed hay in front of their farmhouse to plant something new: Nagafu Fuji apples, which had just made their way to American soil from Japan. Little did they know this decision would grow into a thriving family operation that would help shape the West Coast’s organic apple industry.

By 1997, their son Byron had joined the family business, handling sales and marketing while Howard and Jean focused on nurturing their growing orchard of Fuji and Pink Lady apples. The local community quickly fell in love with the Albanos’ exceptional fruit, and word began to spread about the extraordinary apples coming from this mountain valley.

The family’s commitment to quality took another step forward in 1999 when they completed their transition to certified organic production. In doing so, they created a sustainable ecosystem where their workforce, customers, and native plants and animals could all thrive together.

Cuyama Orchards continues to benefit from its unique microclimate, where warm days and cool nights allow their apples to develop the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. From traditional favorites like Granny Smith and Gala to heritage varieties like Arkansas Black, each apple variety is harvested at peak ripeness and stored in their controlled-atmosphere facility to maintain that just-picked freshness.

The Albanos’ story is one of dedication to sustainable farming, their love for the land, and their commitment to bringing the very best fruit from their mountain grove to your table. In every crisp, sweet bite of a Cuyama Orchards apple, you can taste the care that started with that first planting thirty years ago.

How To Add Farm Stand Products to Your Delivery:

Full Circle members – head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 6pm on your cutoff date. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button “Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products” to add farm products to your delivery.

Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood.