I was recently tipped off to a local treasure, Pletsch’s Saftladen. Located near Kaiserslautern, this store is host to local goodies, most of which are products made from the owner’s farm. As told by the owner’s hospitable wife, the juice, jam, liquor and other goodies here are made from the over 5,000 apple trees owned by the family. Better still, the homemade goods have no additives or preservatives.

Honey

Of interest to many visitors is the local honey which is, of course, made by a bee keeper in the apple orchard. I’m told that local honey is a great treatment for allergies. And thus convinced, I dutifully purchased some of the best honey I’ve ever had. My only mistake was not getting the bigger container.

Jellies

Likewise, the shop makes jellies, which I bought far too little of. I picked up a jar of apple cherry jelly thinking I would put it out to impress the in-laws, but there may not be any left by the time they arrive! Truthfully, I initially considered pawning some of this off as “personally slaved over by yours truly,” but it’s too good. No one would believe me.

More Information

Other products there include oils, pastas and schnapps. To list all of the goodies stocked in the small space would be exhausting. I got only a 3 items on my first visit (honey, jelly and an alluring bottle of rose liquor), but am eager to go back to try the other products.

Pletsch’s Saftladen is open the following:
Monday-Wednesday: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday- Friday: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:30-6 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

How to Get There

The shop address is Friedhofstrasse 2, 66879 Steinwenden. It is 25 minutes west of Kaiserlautern and 10 minutes from northwest of Ramstein. Visit DB Bahn for train details.

Author’s Profile: Kelly is a DOD wife, devoted dog-mom, a mediocre cook, a whiskey aficionado and an avid traveler who’s exploring the Kaiserslautern area with dog and husband in tow.

Featured Image Photo Credit: © Kelly Lauer