If you take a trip to Cashmere, it’s worth stopping at Liberty Orchards to pick up some fresh Aplets and Cotlets, a Pacific Northwest candy that brings the blossom-fresh flavor of crisp Washington apples, the tangy goodness of ripe apricots and the nutty richness of crunchy English walnuts together. Aplets and Cotlets have delighted the Pacific Northwest candy scene since 1920, and a visit to the factory provides a unique experience.
The History
In the early 1900s, two young Armenian immigrants became friends and headed to Cashmere with hopes of starting a successful business venture. They bought an apple farm, Liberty Orchards, and quickly began looking for new ways for their surplus fruit to not go to waste.
Thus, began the apple dehydration, and a new business of Northwest Evaporating. Soon after came Wenatchee Valley Foods, a cannery where jam was made from apples and plums.
The cannery took off and was the main business in the 1930s and ’40s. When they still had more surplus food they came up with another winning idea. They wanted to make “Rahat Locoum,” also known as Turkish delight, a candy that was popular in the East. This is what we now know as, Aplets ® (apples and walnuts). Cotlets ® soon followed, made from apricots and walnuts.
Sadly, Armen and Mark passed away in 1952 and 1956, and they would never know the great success they became after the 1962 Century 21 World’s Fair. The fair was held in Seattle, and the new owners, John Chakirian and Dick Odabashian, made sure that the product was up for show. It was a hit.
Nowadays
Today visitors can buy more than just Aplets ® and Cotlets ®. They can enjoy varying flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, orange, blueberry, peach and pineapple among other delicious combinations.
Every year, over 80,000 visitors head to Cashmere just for Aplets and Cotlets, where you can take a tour and of course, buy your favorite treat.
The Factory Tour
From January through March, you can visit, tour and sample fresh delicious treats Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April through December, weekday hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We recommend calling ahead to confirm these haven’t changed.
For an idea of what to expect on this famous factory tour, here is a great video that the company has put together for future visitors.
Other Offerings
If you or a loved one are sugar- or nut-free, there are still delicious options for you here like the endless chocolates, Turkish delights, snacks, fruit delights and more.
Live too far from Cashmere but still want to order your favorite treat? You can order online from the company’s website.
Photos by: Liberty Orchards Co.
Oregon City OR. I’m unable to get sugar free in my town for some reason they sold it until two years ago has the com. stopped making this form of their product?
Hey there!
The company still makes sugar free products, here is a link to their online shop.
https://www.libertyorchards.com/category/Sugar_Free_Candies
Thanks so much, and hopefully you can get some sugar free sweets!