In the orchard

Whether it’s a warm and sunny “tee-shirt and shorts kind of day”, or one of those familiar brisk New England days when a jacket or sweater feels just right, a day spent in the orchard is great fun for the whole family. If you’re like most folks, you might not get a lot chances to visit an apple orchard, so make a day of it! It’s usually best to arrive at the orchard early in the day, although any time of day will work. Fill your own box or basket, or have everyone pitch in the same container. (One rule: treat apples like they’re eggs. Apples bruise easily, so be gentle with them). While you’re picking, think about all the things you can do with your bounty: apples for snacking, apples for apple sauce, apples for pies and cobblers, apples for smoothies…the list goes on!

Visit a cider mill

Fresh apple cider is a fall tradition in New England. Vermont has dozens of small cider mills, pressing cider from just-picked apples. Apple cider straight from the mill has a distinctive sweet-tart flavor, just like the apples on the tree. Hot or cold, apple cider has a decided taste advantage over those juice drinks and juice cocktails lining the supermarket aisles.

Storing apples

When you get home, store your just-picked apples in the refrigerator. For larger quantities, store in as cold a room as possible (usually a cellar or unheated garage will do). Keep several in a convenient location for quick, healthy snacks during the day