Who doesn’t love the fall? The weather turns cooler (or, for us in So. Cal. it dips into the cool mid-70s), thoughts turn to the approaching holiday season, people start baking and apples are in season!
Yes, there is a season for apples.
You may not realize it as apples are available year-round in all grocery stores, but apples are best when the season shifts from summer to fall. And they are definitely best when bought from local sources, such as your farmers’ market, or picking them straight from the orchard! Bypass the apples flown in from Chile sitting in your grocery store. Not only are they picked before they are ripe–producing less flavorful fruit–but, it puts an enormous strain on the planet by shipping them from the southern hemisphere to us here in the US. Hello carbon footprint! There is simply no reason to purchase apples (or any other fruit or veg) shipped from another country when we grow the exact same produce here. Seriously, give this a try. Just eat seasonally. Your food will not only taste better, but you will be getting more nutrients, ie, more bang for your buck, and putting less strain on the planet.
At Riley's Farms from left to right: The Colonial Farm, Stream Footbridge, Farm Stand, A Lone Crabapple Tree, Whetstone and Stream Bridge
Los Rios Rancho, from left to right: U-Press Cider, Cumulus Clouds Over the Mountains, Los Rios Rancho Cider
To celebrate the beginning of fall, BH and I took a day-trip to Oak Glen, California where apple orchards outnumber LA day-trippers. This has been a long-standing tradition in my family, and, for me, it always signals the beginning of autumn. We visited a few different farms: Riley’s Farm, Los Rio Rancho and Snow-Line Orchards. Not only were apples available, but pears, raspberries, blackberries and pumpkins. We ended up buying some Pippin and Gala apples, cider from Los Rios Rancho and of course, the apple cider doughnuts from Snow-Line Orchards. Such a fantastic way to spend the day–actually interacting and engaging with my food. Here are some pics from the day. Truly glorious weather and even better company.
Snow-Line Orchards, from Left to Right: Apples Signage Inside the Shed, "Snowline", Mutsu and Macintosh Apples and Lura Red and Red Delicious Apples
Apple Cider Doughnuts from Snow-Line Orchards, Left to Right: Doughnut Batter Being Dropped into Hot Oil, Freshly Made Doughnuts Get a Shower of Cinnamon and Sugar, Doughnut Line Signage and Fresh (HOT) Apple Cider Doughnuts--YUM!
Have you ever been apple-picking? Did you enjoy it? What’s your favorite autumn recipe?
