Liberty Orchards: Aplets & Cotlets and the Legacy of a Northwest Candy Icon
Explore the sweet legacy of Liberty Orchards, the home of Aplets & Cotlets, and its unique role in Washington’s confectionery culture.
Liberty Orchards: The Sweet Heritage of Cashmere, Washington
Tucked away in the heart of Cashmere, Washington, Liberty Orchards has long been regarded as a beloved Pacific Northwest confectionery icon. Renowned as the home of Aplets & Cotlets, this candy kitchen blends old-world traditions with local fruit to create one-of-a-kind sweets that have delighted generations. More than just a candy store, Liberty Orchards embodies family, heritage, and the flavors of Washington’s orchards in every bite.
Table of Contents
- History and Origins of Liberty Orchards
- Aplets & Cotlets: The Classic Treats
- Visiting the Candy Kitchen & Country Store
- Factory Tours & Visitor Experiences
- Beyond Aplets & Cotlets: Liberty Orchards’ Sweets
- Customer Experiences and Reviews
- Evolving Tradition: Adaptation and Changes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
History and Origins of Liberty Orchards
Founded in 1920 by Armenian immigrants Mark Balaban and Armen Tertsagian, Liberty Orchards sprang from humble beginnings. The two friends purchased a small orchard in Cashmere and initially attempted to turn their apple surplus into innovative products. After much experimentation, they crafted a new fruit-and-nut confection inspired by locoum—the Middle Eastern treat better known in the West as Turkish Delight. This creation, soon named Aplets, used locally grown apples and walnuts, melding their heritage with the agricultural bounty of Washington state.
The popularity of Aplets soon led to Cotlets, an apricot-and-walnut variation. Over the decades, the company grew into a cornerstone of Cashmere, with three generations maintaining the family spirit and recipe traditions. Liberty Orchards became synonymous with quality, community, and a distinctly Northwest flavor profile.
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Aplets & Cotlets: The Classic Treats
Aplets and Cotlets are jewel-toned, chewy, fruit-based confections dusted with powdered sugar. Their unique taste comes from a careful blend of real apples (or apricots), walnuts, and a gentle fruity sweetness. These candies are unlike mass-market Turkish Delight, offering a distinct regional twist that perfectly represents the region’s agricultural roots.
- Aplets: Made with apples and walnuts, boasting a mild sweetness and smooth, chewy texture.
- Cotlets: Made with apricots and walnuts, offering a tart fruitiness balanced with nutty depth.
Both candies are vegetarian and have inspired numerous flavor variations over time, including cherry, raspberry, and other fruit blends.
Visiting the Candy Kitchen & Country Store
The Liberty Orchards Candy Kitchen & Country Store in Cashmere stands as both a retail destination and a nostalgic pilgrimage for locals and tourists alike. Located just off Highway 2, it is an easy detour for travelers exploring the region between Leavenworth and Wenatchee. With its bright, well-labeled selection and friendly staff, the store welcomes all with a warm, small-town charm.
- Visitors are greeted by displays of beautifully boxed candies, ranging from classic Aplets & Cotlets to limited-edition seasonal treats.
- There’s an abundance of free samples to entice guests, often leading to discoveries of new flavors not readily available in broader retail outlets.
- Shoppers can enjoy lower-than-retail prices and exclusive packaging only found at the country store.
The staff’s product knowledge and enthusiasm further enhance the experience. Many guests note the “old-time candy store” ambiance, finding it reminiscent of past family road trips and special childhood treats.
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Factory Tours & Visitor Experiences
One of the biggest draws for visitors is the opportunity to tour the factory. These tours, offered every 20 minutes during operating hours, guide guests through the artistry and science behind Liberty Orchards’ signature confections.
- Guests observe each stage of candy making, from fruit preparation to cooling, cutting, and final dusting in powdered sugar.
- Tours conclude with generous tastings, allowing visitors to appreciate the nuances between classic and experimental flavors.
- The educational focus extends to the candy’s origins and the family’s immigrant journey.
Note: Tour times and availability can shift, so it’s best to check ahead—some recent visitors found tours ending earlier on certain weekdays.
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Beyond Aplets & Cotlets: Liberty Orchards’ Sweets
While Aplets & Cotlets are the flagship, Liberty Orchards is also known for an array of fruit- and nut-based products. These extend the company’s philosophy of using real fruit flavors and wholesome ingredients.
- Fruit Delights: Turkish Delight–inspired candies with a range of fruity flavors.
- Dessert Delights and Fruitlets: Creative spins on fruit-nut candies, sometimes incorporating berries or exotic fruits.
- Orchard Bars: Wholesome fruit-nut-seed bars catering to those seeking gluten-free, non-GMO snacks.
- Special Seasonal Editions: Limited releases around the holidays, often featuring unique flavor combinations or festive packaging.
- Vegan and Preservative-Free Options: Expanding product lines for varying dietary needs.
Fans often remark on the discoveries made in the country store—sampling new or rare products that are difficult to find outside of Cashmere.
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Customer Experiences and Reviews
Liberty Orchards holds a special place in the hearts of many, as evidenced by numerous glowing reviews and nostalgic stories:
- For locals, it’s a tradition—a place to share childhood favorites and create memories with the next generation.
- Travelers enjoy the warm hospitality and the surprise of discovering new flavors in person.
- Many appreciate the reasonable prices and the thoughtful arrangement of samples throughout the store.
- Though some long-time fans have felt quality changes after recent ownership transitions (such as fewer nuts per piece or changes in ingredient sourcing), most visitors still praise the store’s ambiance and enjoyable selection.
Customers have also highlighted the clean, bright storefront and staff’s friendliness, making it a positive stop when passing through Cashmere.
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Sample Customer Feedback
- “A must! More interesting than I expected. I would definitely go again.”
- “A nice visit to this friendly local candy store with reasonable pricing.”
- “We discovered so many varieties not found at local retail outlets.”
- “Sweet treats! Enjoy.”
Evolving Tradition: Adaptation and Changes
Like many heritage brands, Liberty Orchards has seen significant changes in recent years. In 2021, after over a century of family management, the company announced it would be seeking a buyer and likely closing its original operations due to shifting economic realities. This sparked concern among fans and local residents, who viewed the company as a pillar of community identity.
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- The original founders’ legacy—built on gratitude, hard work, and innovative adaptation—continues to guide new stewards of the brand.
- Recent transitions have included expanding online sales to adapt to modern retail shifts, offering gluten-free, vegan, and preservative-free candies to reach wider markets, and introducing convenient packaging.
- Some changes, such as sourcing certain ingredients internationally, have led to mixed responses from long-standing fans—demonstrating the balance between tradition and innovation for legacy brands.
Despite these evolutions, Liberty Orchards remains an essential part of Cashmere’s story, connecting past and present through taste, memory, and family tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Aplets & Cotlets made of?
Aplets are made from apple puree, walnuts, sugar, and a bit of citrus and spices, while Cotlets substitute apricots for apples. Both are coated in powdered sugar and inspired by the Near Eastern confection Turkish Delight.
Q: Where is Liberty Orchards located?
Liberty Orchards’ main facility and country store are in Cashmere, Washington, just off Highway 2, making it a convenient stop in the Wenatchee Valley.
Q: Can you take a tour of the candy factory?
Yes, guided factory tours are traditionally offered every 20 minutes during operating hours, where visitors can watch candy making and enjoy samples. However, tour schedules can vary, so check ahead before visiting.
Q: Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
Liberty Orchards offers some vegan and gluten-free products, including certain Aplets & Cotlets variations and Orchard Bars. Always check the label or ask staff for the latest offerings.
Q: How can I buy Liberty Orchards candies outside of Washington?
While some varieties are available at select retail stores across the U.S., the full range of candies can be ordered online through their website, with shipping available nationwide.
Q: Has the quality changed after recent ownership transitions?
Some longtime fans have noted differences in nut quantity or sourcing, particularly after the factory changed hands. Most visitors still praise the products for taste and nostalgia, but reviews on quality may vary by batch and product.
Q: What else is there to do in Cashmere, Washington?
Cashmere offers a charming downtown, local shops, and proximity to outdoor activities in the Wenatchee Valley region. Many recommend pairing a factory visit with exploring other unique local attractions.
Liberty Orchards: More Than Candy
Liberty Orchards’ story is about more than fruit candies. It’s about the enduring connection between tradition and innovation, the pride of a small town, and the sweet unity of immigrant heritage and American ingenuity. Whether you stop for a box of classic Aplets & Cotlets or discover a new seasonal flavor, a visit to Liberty Orchards invites everyone to share in Washington’s sweetest legacy.
