Apple Picking MA: Apple Varieties Now Ripe

This weekend begins the popular apple picking season for Massachusetts and New England residents. Apples grown in New England offer a blend of both sweet and tart flavors, and are crisp, not mealy like some region's apples. Which apple orchard varieties will be available for apple picking in Massachusetts starting this weekend? Of the 40 different varieties grown in the New England area, here are the apple varieties you will find at the local Massachusetts apple orchards. Get started with these varieties of apples that are ripe now. Included is a small sampling of the locally-owned apple orchards where these varieties are available.

Apple Varieties Ripe Since August

A number of New England apple varieties have been ripe since summer, including Jersey Macs and Galas. Jersey Macs may still be available for purchase at local Massachusetts orchards, but not necessarily to pick since they ripened in July. Gala apples are available for picking at Belkin Family Farm in South Natick, Massachusetts. Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Massachusetts or at Carlson Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts.

Others are ready this weekend and more apple varieties will ripen at the end of September or some time in October.

Apple Varieties Ripe This Weekend

Macoun

My favorite apple is now ready for picking, the Macoun. The Macoun is not around for long, and is difficult to find in other parts of the country. I used to scour the grocery stores in Florida looking for one red Macoun apple and never found one. The Macoun is a sweet and super crisp apple that is best eaten as a snack, cold and fresh. Macouns are also on the juicy side for an apple, which makes them surprisingly refreshing. Macouns can be found at Atkins Farms in Amherst, Massachusetts, Tougas Family Farm in Northboro, Massachusetts, Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Massachusetts, and at Carlson Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts.

McIntosh

The McIntosh is a popular variety of apple which offers apple pickers a number of option when they arrive home with their apples. This variety of apple that is found at most Massachusetts apple orchards may be eaten as a snack or used in cooking and baking. McIntosh apples tend to last longer than other apples and may be found through the fall season.

They have been ripe since the beginning of September. Pick your own McIntosh apples at Atkins Farms in Amherst, Massachusetts or Belkin Family Farm in South Natick, Massachusetts, Westward Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts and Carlson Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts.

PaulaRed

The Paula Red is a little tart. This red apple is good for snacking or for baking. It has been ripe since early September at Massachusetts apple orchards. They are available at Tougas Family Farm in Northboro, Massachusetts and Westward Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts.

Jonagold are available now at Westward Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts.

Late September

Empire

Empire apples offer a tart and sweet combination that kids love. The Empire apple comes from Delicious apples and McIntosh apples. The Empire apple is versatile and is well-suited to be baked with a bit of honey and some raw oats. The Empire is available in late September. It can be found at Atkins Farms in Amherst.

Cortland

A strong baking apple, the Cortland ripens in late September. Apple orchards with Cortland apples: Atkins in Amherst, Westward Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts, Carlson Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts and Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Massachusetts.

Sources

Atkins Farms, http://www.atkinsfarms.com
Carlson Orchards, http://www.carlsonorchards.com
New England Apple Association, www.newenglandapples.org
Red Apple Farm, http://www.redapplefarm.com/index.php
Tougas Family Farm, http://www.tougasfarm.com/applevarieties.html
Westward Orchards, http://www.westwardorchards.com