Fall in Love with Apple Picking in New Brunswick
Ah, the crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and the scent of ripe apples—fall in New Brunswick is a time of pure delight. If you're looking for the perfect autumn outing, look no further than apple picking. New Brunswick offers a plethora of orchards with a wide variety of apple types to choose from. So, grab your baskets and let's embark on an apple-picking adventure in the beautiful East Coast!
1. Verger Belliveau Orchard, Memramcook: Located in the picturesque Memramcook Valley, Verger Belliveau Orchard is a family-owned gem. Here, you'll find a range of apple varieties, including McIntosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp. The views of the surrounding hills and farmlands are simply breathtaking.
2. River View Orchards, Keswick Ridge: This orchard is perched on the banks of the Saint John River, offering not just apple picking but also incredible scenery. Varieties like Spartan, Paula Red, and Empire are typically available here.
3. Everett Family Orchard, Keswick: A friendly, small-scale orchard, Everett Family Orchard is perfect for those seeking a quieter apple-picking experience. You can expect varieties like Red Delicious and Russet apples.
Apple Varieties to Choose From
When you go apple picking in New Brunswick, you'll find a diverse selection of apples to suit all tastes. Here are some popular varieties:
McIntosh: These apples are crisp, juicy, and slightly tart. They're perfect for eating fresh or making applesauce.
Cortland: Cortlands are similar to McIntosh but have a sweeter flavor and are excellent for baking.
Honeycrisp: Known for their crispness and sweet-tart flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a favorite for both snacking and baking.
Spartan: These apples have a rich, sweet taste with a hint of tartness, making them great for pies and crisps.
Paula Red: These early-season apples are tart and crisp, ideal for apple pies and sauces.
Empire: With a perfect balance of sweet and tart, Empire apples are versatile and great for eating fresh or using in recipes.
Picking Tips
Before you head out to the orchard, here are some apple-picking tips to ensure you have the best experience:
Check the Orchard's Website: Visit the orchard's website or call ahead to confirm their hours of operation and apple availability.
Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking in the orchard.
Bring Your Own Supplies: Many orchards provide baskets or bags, but it's a good idea to bring your own to ensure you have enough room for your apple haul.
Don't Forget Sunscreen and Water: Fall sun can be deceiving, so apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
Be Gentle: When picking apples, gently twist them off the tree to avoid damaging the branch or the fruit.
Respect the Environment: Dispose of trash properly and follow any rules or guidelines set by the orchard.
East Coast Fall Apple Recipe: Apple Crisp
Now that you've returned from your apple-picking adventure with a bounty of fresh apples, it's time to put them to good use with a classic East Coast fall recipe—Apple Crisp.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (use a mix of varieties for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In the same bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar.
- Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving.
- It's perfect on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
There you have it—a wonderful day of apple picking in New Brunswick, an assortment of apple varieties to explore, essential tips for a successful outing, and a delicious East Coast apple recipe to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy apple picking and even happier apple eating!