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Fall Means It’s Time For Picking Apples, Peaches and Asian Pears

By David Epstein

September 24, 2014

2 minutes to read

With another great weekend on the way you might be thinking about heading to a local farm to get your fall fruit. There are well over 200 farms, fruit stands or local markets where you can pick or purchase all sorts of goodies this time of year.

Many of these places will offer other events aside from just being able to pick apples, peaches or pears. Certain farms have cider doughnuts, others face painting and some even have rides for the kids. I recommend finding a farm that’s right for you and your family and make it a tradition.

Some people love the drive an hour or more away to get apples, while others want something closer. Farms also have different types of fruit. At Lookout Farm in South Natick for example, in addition to apples and peaches,they grow Asian pears. These aren’t widely available to pick elsewhere. If you head to Tougas Family Farm in Northboro they might be picking Gala apples. At Smolak farm in North Andover you can let the kids get lost in the corn maze. Here’s a link to local farms and what they are picking. Click here to find a farm.

If you are reading this article from anywhere else in the United States you can click here to find a local farm near you.

Different types of fruit will cook, eat and store differently. It’s a good idea to check with the farm before you start heading there as to what they are picking right now. Sometimes waiting a week or two allows you to pick something not quite ripe yet.

Generally, a cool dry place is the best spot to store your fruit, like your refrigerator. If the fruit starts to go soft, just cook it down and freeze or can it for later in the season.

You can follow more of my garden tips in my growing wisdom articles and on twitter @growingwisdom

If you wanted to pick strawberries, you’re out of luck until next June, but if you want Fuji apples, you will have to wait until October. If you are looking for Macintosh or Honeycrisp apples then this is a great weekend.

Always call ahead or listen to the farm’s recordings about hours and what they are picking. Different areas have different schedules and fruit ripens at various rates statewide and in other places like northern New England.

The cost of farms will vary, but the fruit is generally sold at competitive prices. Admission to petting zoos, entertainment or those yummy cider donuts is going to be extra. I don’t care how old you are participating in a U-Pick event is a great way to make memories.

I am very passionate about local farms and helping to sustain them. While many of our homes are likely built on some colonial farm, I want to help keep the ones we have in business. By participating in what these farms have to offer, you help keep these treasures from becoming more housing, shopping centers or something else other than a farm.

Farms are part of the fabric of New England and without them, this part of the country wouldn’t be the special place we love. So enjoy the warm weather this weekend and go get some fruit to enjoy!