Just Ripe for Picking

Just because the summer sun has set for yet another year doesn’t mean that you can’t still get outside and enjoy the great outdoors

There are many activities that can be enjoyed during the beautiful months of fall, one of them being the timeless classic of visiting an apple orchard.

Apple orchards are host to a variety of different fun activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s a great way to spend time with the people you love and pick up some fall “goodies” on the way.

Orchards offer an extensive list of things to do ranging from hay rides, contests, taste-testing and of course apple picking.

Apple picking can be a deliciously fun activity at the orchard and even at home. With all your fresh finds there are many exquisite and simple creations you can make to satisfy any apple-loving appetite. All you need is the right kind of apple!

Ontario orchards offer an array of fresh apples that can be used to complement a simple cheese platter, baking project or simply used as a snack.

Gala apples with their pinkish stripes, yellow skin and sweet taste are perfect for baking those oh-so delectable apple pies and even for making some old-fashioned apple sauce. These delicious delicacies can be found in apple orchards across Ontario including Algoma Orchards in Whitby, E&B Medel Orchards in Ruthven and Smiths’ Apples and Farm Market in Bruce County.

Winesap apples have a unique deep red colour, with a sour taste resembling the flavour of seasoned wine. They are an especially fantastic ingredient for making apple cider.

The old favourite, McIntosh apples, always make an excellent snack and are perfect for making pies. These green- and red-coloured, sweet and sour apples always make a great addition to any dish and can be found at orchards such as Frootogo Orchards in Waterdown or Albion Orchards in Caledon.

Jonagold apples are a combination of the sour-tasting Jonathan apple and the sweet taste of the Golden Delicious apple. They are the best variety of apples for creating sweet-sour sauces and pies, and make the perfect addition to any salad. These beautiful hybrids can be found at orchards such as Cricklewood Farms in Brighton or Josmar Acres in Hamilton.

There are many more mouth-watering finds that can be found at the various orchards of Ontario. There’s never been a better time to eat apples!

However, if you can’t make it out to an orchard this season, you don’t have to miss out on the delicacies that this season has to offer. Check out your local grocery store’s produce section for all the fabulous finds of autumn.

Remember — “Good things grow in Ontario!” •

Photo by  sxc / Mattox