Hidden Star Orchards is an organic, family farm located in the Sierra Nevada foothills just below the town of Jackson.  It is among these rolling hills that John Smit Sr. and his bride Clazien, both immigrants from Holland, chose to  settle and raise a family over 50 years ago.  Though originally a dairy farm the Smit land was converted to an apple orchard in 1985.  Today 80 acres is  cultivated in a variety of fruits which include apples, cherries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, apricots and pluots.  In addition to some of the best fresh produce available our varieties are also sold as sun dried fruit.  Everything is grown specifically for farmer's markets in the Bay Area.

Johann Smit is one of five sons and two daughters born to John and Clazien. With a degree in Business Agriculture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he began farming with his parents in 1994.  Johann and his wife Wendy share in the organization and management of bringing their delicious, fresh produce to  market as Hidden Star Orchards.  Their son Orion enjoys helping out and has  welcomed customers since he was born in October 2000.  Johann's son Peter and daughter Maddie do their part working during the summer.

As an integral part of the apple growing business Hidden Star Orchards has developed a specialty niche in freshly pressed cider.  Each week a team of four workers gather up a blend of apples and prepare them for juicing.  The  old milk-tank house has been transformed into what is now the "juice room"  where all the cider making takes place.  From start to finish the entire process will run about four hours and fill a 600 gallon tank.  After being pressed  the cider is bottled and flash frozen to preserve the integrity of its flavor and  to extend its shelf life once it is in your refrigerator.  As we hear over and over  from satisfied customers, "There's nothing quite like the taste of real apple cider!"

Come help support small family farms and taste some of the best, organic fruit in the Bay Area.  Stop by one of our markets soon.  Johann the "Apple Man,"  Wendy, Orion, Peter and Maddie look forward to seeing you