The company has been in Frederick for more than 80 years.
Frederick, Md (KM). A local business that’s been an institution in Frederick County many years will be getting some statewide attention. During next week’s edition of “Maryland Farm and Harvest,” there will be a segment on McCutcheon’s Apple Products. “It’s something that’s always been on our radar and we’re really happy that we were able to do a segment on them this season,” says Sarah Sampson, the producer and director or “Maryland Farm and Harvest,:” which airs on Maryland Public Television.
McCutcheon’s Apple Products has been in business since 1938, and produces apple butter, apple cider, preserves, relishes, honey, orchard fresh apples and other products, according to its website. McCutcheon’s products are also sold in 48 states as well as out of its store in Frederick.
Sampson says the program will show the picking of apples at Kingsbury’s Orchards located and Dickerson, and their journey to McCutcheon’s in Frederick. She says these apples are less-than-perfect. “They’re actually what you would call ‘seconds,” says Sampson, adding there’s nothing wrong with them. . “Most consumers go for a perfect round apple, but these apples are a little bit misshapen, a little bit too small, a little bit too big.” But, Sampson says, these apples are used to make apple butter.
As the MPT crew was shooting this segment, Sampson says the folks at Kingsbury’s Orchard and McCutcheon’s were very cooperative. “There’s a lot of set up. There’s a lot of lighting. And both were very accommodating to our production crew. And we really appreciate that because that’s how we’re able to put on the best product that we possibly can,” she says.
There were even times when the crew had to use lighting to shoot some outside scenes. “Especially when the sun is so high and so hot, it can create shadows on the farmer’s face. So sometimes we set up another light to counteract that,” says Sampson.
This episode of “Maryland Farm and Harvest” featuring McCutcheon’s Apple Products will air on Tuesday, January 29th at 7:00 PM on MPT. The program is also repeated on Thursdays at 11:30 PM, and Sundays at 6:00 AM.
By Kevin McManus