SAUNDERS BROTHERS was established among four brothers in 1917, and continues to be an agricultural touchstone for Nelson County, VA. Paul and Tatum Saunders and four of their sons manage their substantial wholesale nursery operation, plus cultivate 150 acres of peach, Asian pear, and apple orchards. Beginning in mid-summer, son Bennett Saunders cruises the orchard to check fruit ripeness and to assess yields per variety. His brother Jim Saunders manages their retail market and Marshall Saunders lines up customers for wholesale pick up and delivery. September signals the arrival of Asian pears – the perfect spheres are crisp and juicy, and make a great snack for local schoolchildren. Cooler fall weather means that apple season is in full swing in Central Virginia, and Saunders Brothers specializes in local favorites like Pink Lady, Gold Rush, and their very own apple called Piney River Gold.
We especially love including Saunders Brothers fruit in our Fresh Farmacy shares! Their willingness to find more natural and less conventional ways to be environmentally friendly earned them the Local Food Hub 2020 Innovations in Agriculture award for their natural pesticide practices. Consider a visit to this Nelson County jewel, the store is well stocked, the orchard is beautiful, and the local trails abound.
