The Maine Women's Journal - Fall 2007

When the cool evenings of late summer begin to remind us of autumn and the crispness of the air permeates our lungs and intoxicates our souls, it’s time to pick apples. There is nothing like strolling in an apple orchard, plucking a McIntosh from the tree and biting into it with a crunch that reconnects to the essence of the earth.  Every taste is enhanced by the aroma of freshness. There is a connection to the tradition of a Maine Apple Harvest that dates back hundreds of years.

Pioneer orchards were often just a few dozen trees planted along stone walls to divide pastures. Most of those first apples were made into cider.  As the market for fresh fruit grew, the farmers of Maine paid more attention to the varieties they raised. Now almost 200 years later, local apple orchards are teeming with McIntosh, Macoun, Cortland and hundreds of other heirloom varieties.  Maine produces some of New England's finest apples. Our warm summer days, cool autumn nights and healthy winter season make Maine apples extra juicy, crisp and full of flavor.

Picking apples is a great family activity for everyone. It is not labor intensive. Most of the trees are small and the apples are within reach. Children enjoy racing through the trees to find the perfect apple and then grasping it, twisting, and feeling the snap of its release from the tree. The adults usually have the responsibility of carrying the bag filled with nature’s treasure.

Many orchards offer additional family entertainment. Some orchards have animals during the harvest season. Benoit Orchards in Lewiston just welcomed a miniature donkey to its family. Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner has a corn maze for visitors to explore. There are wagon rides at both North Star Orchards in Madison and Romac Orchards in Acton.

Apple-oriented food items are usually connected with orchards, as well. For example, try warm apple cider donuts or an apple dumpling while visiting Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards in Cumberland Center or Wallingford’s Fruit House in Auburn. Many orchards in Maine have stores where all these items are sold and can be shipped as gifts.

The best way to find your local apple orchard is through the Maine State Pomological Society’s Maine Apple Map and Directory. It includes directions and descriptions of orchards throughout the state. The Map is available by request at info@maineapples.org. This year there is a special apple coupon available to help visitors connect with their local orchard.

A visit to your local orchard is the starting place for nutritional and delicious cider, applesauce, apple butter, apple pie and donuts. Apples are high in dietary fiber. They help with bone growth and strengthen lung function. Visiting your favorite apple orchard and farm stand will establish a healthy family tradition and a connection with the best that Maine has to offer.

The Maine State Pomological Society, a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1873, is comprised of apple orchards throughout the state dedicated to strengthening the sector as well as the agricultural industry in Maine. www.maineapples.org

Interesting Apple Facts:

The apple is in the pome family – a fruit whose seeds are embedded in the core of the fruit. Surprisingly, the rose is also a member of this family.

• It takes about 36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider. 
• Two pounds of apples make one 9-inch pie.
• Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.

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