Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Laughter.
Hi Beth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our farm was founded in 1997 by David and Beth Laughter. Originally an apple orchard, Pilot Mountain Pears is now home to over 5,000 Asian pear trees. Our farm and bakery use traditional farming methods, and recipes passed down for generations. The Laughter Family has grown quality fruit for five generations in Henderson County, NC.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Turning a functioning apple orchard into a functioning pear orchard took many years. The Laughter Family planted Asian pears over 15 years ago to try to grow something unique. Many customers are unfamiliar with what an Asian pear is, but they are hooked immediately after they take a bite. Most think of a pear; I think most people think of a grainy European pear that not everyone enjoys. Asian pears have the texture of an apple. They are juicier and tastier than most fruit; we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your business.
Circle L Farms was founded in 1997 in Edneyville, NC. On approximately 55 acres, Circle L Farms carries the family tradition of farming fruit in Henderson County. For 5 generations, the Laughter Family has grown quality fruit in Henderson County. We are owned and operated by David Laughter and Beth Laughter. The farm initially produced only apples, but in the last decade, the farm has transitioned into both an Asian pear and apple orchard. Asian Pears, specifically Olympic Giants, Reddy Robins, and Chojuros (“Plentiful”), are the primary commodity of our storefront, Pilot Mountain Pears. We are part of the North Carolina Farm to School Program, which furnishes our Asian Pears to public schools nationwide. Our award-winning fruit has received numerous ribbons at the NC State Fair, and we are an active member of the NC Department of Agriculture Got To Be NC program. An additional product we are best known for is our Fried Apple Pies and Baked Apple Turnovers. Our recipe has been a staple of our family for generations. A new addition to our bakery menu is our locally squeezed Asian pear juice and our Asian pear slushies. We love to grow different things and hope to add more varieties of Asian pears and more unique produce options in the coming years as our farm expands. In 2020, Circle L Farms opened our storefront, “Pilot Mountain Pears.” Since then, visitors and friends across the area have traveled to sample and pick our Asian pears. We are excited about the future of agrotourism in Henderson County and across the state of North Carolina.
What makes you happy?
As farmers, nothing is more satisfying than seeing a customer bite into your product for the first time and witnessing the joy that it brings them. Being able to show folks our farm who have never seen Asian pears grown before is an exceptional experience. Growing fruit locally and sharing something new and tasty with our customers is a blessing.
Pricing:
- U-Pick Asian Pears = $1 lb
Contact Info:
- Website: pilotmountainpears.com
- Instagram: @pilotmountainpears
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilotmountainpears/
Image Credits
Photo Credits – David Cobb Photography
