As September rolls around, apple picking is fast approaching. Some early harvest varieties such as Ginger Gold are ready to be picked right now. Later ones, including my favorite variety, Fuji, won't be ready until late October.
Last October, Kristian and I took a fall foliage trip through NH and VT. We stopped by Green Mountain Orchard in Putney, VT on the way back to Boston. After loading up on MacIntosh apples in our tummies and bags, we took a hayride with the kids around the 128 acre orchard.
Chul messaged me this morning about apple picking up here. I was surprised to find out there are actually apple farms within 40 min radius of Boston as well. According to this Globe article, Nashoba Valley area used to the apple growing center of New England.
Interesting stats:
"In 1947, Massachusetts had 23,000 acres of apple orchards, according to Robin Helrich, an agricultural statistician with New England Agricultural Statistics, which is part of the US Department of Agriculture. Last year, there were 4,100 acres of fruit-bearing apple trees in the state, she said."
I also didn't know Chile exports apples to the States since grapes were a lot more commonly labeled Product of Chile. I reckon if carbon footprint labeling was to become standard on foods and durable goods, local grown fruits and veggies would regain popularity quite fast.
Way to go for the local orchards to adopt, and apply algorithms of hayriding, cider and donut shops to keep their businesses running though.
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I was surprised to see how many orchards have turned themselves into a circus to stay in business. It's not uncommon to see exotic animals (half donkey, half zebra), rock climbing, cartoon characters, and shows. Fortunately, if you look hard enough, there are still orchards that allow you to enjoy a peaceful day out in the country.
As of this posting, peaches were nearing their season, blueberries and raspberries still in season, and apples just starting their season. Nothing tastes as good as the season's 1st press of apple cider ice cold! It was so flavorful and sweet that I had to double check the label for sugar/additives. Sure enough, nothing but pure squeezed apple. Go enjoy while you can!
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