Fall Means Picking Apples Fresh off the Trees

As soon as summer's lengthy days and warmth just begin to wane, thoughts of New Englanders turn undoubtedly to autumn — and apples. At Lyman Orchards in Middlefield you'll find Macoun and Empire apples. The former was delightfully crisp and tart, the latter, crisp and sweet.

We brought along our 9-year-old who was on the hunt for an apple he could not name — only identify by taste. Thus, we tramped along the hilly orchard rows, past dozens of fallen apples at each tree, bees busily circling their sweet finds, and yes, located our fourth-graders' prize — Macouns. Oh, and Empires. He couldn't decide.

Here in Middlesex County, we are lucky enough to have orchards where we can buy locally grown apples. There are a multitude of orchards where you can pick your own — always a fun day out for the family (share your apple-picking photos on our Pics & Clips gallery). 

For the varities of apples available at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, see here. What's in season now? Lyman offers a guide.

Macoun: Popular fall eating apple! A McIntosh, Jersey Black cross.

Empire: Developed in 1966. A cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh. A superb eating apple.

Spencer: A McIntosh, Golden Delicious cross; developed in 1926.

Red Delicious: A long-time favorite for its popular sweet flavor.

Tell us in the comments — what’s your favorite orchard? And please — share your favorite apple recipe as well!

Source: Connecticut Department of Agriculture

Apple Growers in Middlesex County

KEY: PYO - Pick Your Own, R - Retail, W - Wholesale, C - Cider, S - Seasonal, Y - Year Round

Gotta's Farm       C  R  S  W
661 Glastonbury Turnpike
Portland, CT  06480
860-342-1844 
rgottafarm@aol.com  

Lyman Orchards       PYO  C  R  Y  W
Jct. Rtes. 147 & 157
Middlefield, CT  06455
PYO Hotline 860-349-6015 
jlyman3@lymanorchards.com  

Scott’s CT Valley Orchard       PYO  R
274 Kelsey Hill Road
Deep River, CT 06417
860-526-9633