An apple a day will make you ‘turnover’

By Jason Sethre
jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Mon, May 14th, 2012
Posted in All Real Bites

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Preston Apple & Berry Farm serves up apple delights in every shape and form imaginable, including this turnover. Photo by Jason Sethre

I’ll never forget when I first walked into Preston Apple & Berry Farm and first met Joe Gosi -- the world famous “Pie Man.”

I heard his accent and asked him where he was originally from. He said, “I am authentic Norwegian. That’s what I tell everybody.” I replied, “Oh, I was thinking Texas.” He may not remember that, but I do.

And, then he told me the truth. He is from Hungary.

Even though he hasn’t lived in Hungary for many decades, his accent is still prevalent.

Joe, along with his wife Carole, are business partners and life partners. Back in 2010, Joe celebrated his 75th birthday (he has another one coming up in June), the happy couple celebrated 45 years of marriage and the 25th anniversary of owning and operating the Preston Apple & Berry Farm.

I remember when I mentioned to Joe one day that I was thinking about experiementing with an all apple diet for an entire week.

He told me that in his younger years he ate apples all the time. As he worked throughout the day, he’d eat dozens and dozens.

Well, apparently, apples are just like anything else. The doctor tells us to eat an apple a day for a reason -- only one! Joe said he started getting ulcers from eating too many apples all the time.

Moderation is key, even with apples. So, I took Joe’s advice and put that apple diet on my bookshelf of vicarious experiences.

Every town has a local watering hole, a place where people come and hang out to chat about the happenings of the community.

The Preston Apple & Berry Farm is one of those places. Every time I stop by, I find a crowd sipping on coffee and talking about the weather.

And, at the same time Joe and Carole are hosting local folks, they also draw a huge tourism crowd from all over the tri-state area. I don’t know how many times I have seen out-of-state plates in the parking lot.

In essence, Preston Apple & Berry Farm is an outstanding form of agri-tourism for the city of Preston. Yes, this apple farm is a tourist attraction.

Most locals may not think of that way, because they just enjoy visiting with Joe, Carole and their friendly staff.

As you are planning your weekday or weekend, I would suggest stopping by for a breakfast treat.

I probably consume about five to 10 turnovers from Preston Apple & Berry Farm per month.

And, these are not those little turnovers you might find at some fast food restaurant in Rochester. These are real, handmade turnovers big enough to cure any appetitie. Joe knows apples, and this one is a winner in my book.

With a light, flaky wrap brushed with frosting, the apples ooze out of whichever corner you attack first.

I have always been an apple fan, and I am not talking about computers.

From my perspective, if we didn’t have our claim to fame with the Root River and our recognition as the “Trout Capital of Minnesota,” I’d suggest we aim for “Apple Capital of Minnesota.” I know La Crescent has been bestowed this honor and I wouldn’t want to take anything away from them, but I’m sure Preston Apple & Berry Farm would give them a run for their money.

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