Caramel apples are a sticky sweet seasonal treat. For over 60 years Tanners Orchard has been creating the most delicious caramel apples in Central Illinois.

UpgradeYourLifestyle takes you “Behind The Business” of Tanners Orchard to give you an inside look at the Tanners process that turns a simple piece of fruit into this incredible taste sensation.

Two different types of apples are ripe for the picking when it comes to the best taste for caramel apples. Johnathan apples provide a crisp, tart choice while Gala apples tend to provide the same crisp crunch but with a sweeter flavor.

After picking, the apples are kept in temperature and humidity controlled coolers to maintain their crispness. One day prior to their transformation, the apples are removed from the cooler and left in room temperature to assure an optimum sticky surface for the gooey caramel.

Every caramel apple needs a handle. Pencil sized sticks are loaded into an apple spearing machine and as each apple is placed on the holding pad, the mini-spear is fed through a barrel and into the apple.
To make the caramel, a super-sized copper kettle is fired up and programmed to reach 238 to 242 degrees. The mixing blades are set in motion and the ingredients are added.

The recipe for Tanners caramel is a closely guarded family secret. The actual date the recipe was invented is unknown but it was originally created and passed along by a German candy maker over 80 years ago and eventually shared with the Tanner family.

Once the caramel reaches the proper temperature, the countdown begins. The caramel will be at optimum dipping temperature for approximately 15 minutes before it becomes too thick to stick to the apple.

The caramel apple crew consists of at least 3 members – 2 for dipping and a third for loading. Two at a time the apples are dipped into the caramel and are given a quick twirl to remove any excess. They are then rolled in crushed nuts and placed on trays to cool.

Once the caramel apples are cool, they are packaged individually, in groups of 4 or by the box. The finished treats are now ready to be sold and enjoyed.

It is no surprise that the folks who have the opportunity to sample these caramel covered delights return to Tanners Orchard year after year to satisfy that insatiable desire just one bite creates. Tanner’s Orchard is located North on Route 40 in Speer, IL and is open from July to November. For more information visit TannersOrchard.com