Apple Fritters: The Popular Delight at the Gravenstein Apple Fair
The Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol, Calif., a beloved Bay Area festival, is famous for its delectable apple fritters. These fritters have become a must-try treat for fairgoers and are often the first stop for many upon entering the event.
Managed by Shelley Brown and her husband Alan Siegle, the apple fritter stand has gained immense popularity over the years. Siegle, a farmer in Sonoma County, and Brown, both volunteers for Sonoma County Farm Trails, have taken over the fritter stand, which has been a staple at the fair for the past 50 years. The fair serves as Farm Trails’ primary annual fundraiser, providing support for local agriculture.
The couple learned the art of making apple fritters from local chefs, practicing and perfecting their recipe. Not your typical glazed fritters, these ones are lighter and designed to highlight the flavor of the Gravenstein apples used. Gravenstein apples, known for their short availability from late July to mid-August, are sourced from Dutton Ranch, an organic apple orchard.
To make these mouthwatering fritters, the apples are cored, sliced into rounds, and coated in a mixture of organic flour, milk, and eggs. They are then deep-fried to perfection using rice bran oil, resulting in a soft, lightly crispy dessert. After frying, the fritters are sprinkled with a generous amount of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a truly irresistible combination.
Due to their made-to-order nature, the line at the apple fritter stand can grow quite long. However, the wait is always worth it for these delectable treats. At last year’s fair, the couple sold 1,800 boats of fritters, each boat containing five to eight fritters. This year, with the addition of two new deep fryers, they plan on doubling their production.
While known as the “godparents” of the apple fritters, Siegle and Brown have enlisted additional help to manage the stand. This will allow them to focus on the fair’s sustainability programs, such as achieving zero waste. Last year, they accomplished a 95% zero waste rate by implementing measures like sending food scraps to a local pig farm.
Aside from the apple fritters, the Gravenstein Apple Fair also offers a variety of other apple-based treats, including apple pie, apple cider, apple slushies, and apple kettle corn. However, the allure of the apple fritters remains unmatched for many fair attendees.
So, if you find yourself at the Gravenstein Apple Fair, make sure to indulge in the warm, flavorful goodness of the apple fritters. Your taste buds will thank you!