Apple U-Pick Orchards in Western counties in Massachusetts in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
Berkshire County
- Bartlett's Orchard - apples
575 Swamp Road, Richmond, MA . Phone: (413) 698-2559. Open: PYO, call for hours; Stand open 8-5pm, 7 days a week. Directions: Mass Pike to exit 2 to Route 20 toward Pittsfield. Follow Blue tourist signs. Left onto Dan Fox Drive. Left on Baker Road 1. 5 miles down on the left. . Click here for a map and directions.
Bartlett's Orchard Facebook page. . Facebook page. Open from Labor Day weekend until Columbus Day Weekend(estimated), Pick Your Own offers 13 varieties of to pick. The varieties include: Paula Red, Jona-Mac, McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Macoun, Empire, Mutsu, Liberty, Ida Red, Jona-Gold, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious. Be sure to visit our Farm Market Store for delicious baked goods including, cider donuts, assorted apple muffins, apple turnovers, assorted pies, cookies and more. Our Farm Market Store is open year-round so come grab some goodies anytime of the year! Also fresh apple cider! Made from a blend of our home grown , it is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It is great as mulled cider as well during those cold winter months. - Green River Farms - apples, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, prepicked produce, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
2480 Green River Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Phone: 413-458-2470. Email: info@greenriverfarms.com. Open: in 2014, their website says: Green River Farms is closed for renovations and reorganization; See our website for current hours. Directions: From Route 43 South: Take Route 43N - Come to the intersection of Route 7 & 43. Go straight through intersection - Farm on right. From Route 7 South: Take Route 7N - Come to the intersection of Route 7 & 43. Take right at intersection - Farm on right. From Route 7 North: Take Route 7S - Come to the intersection of Route 7 & 43. Take left at intersection - Farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Crops are usually available in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. - Hilltop Orchard / Furnace Brook Winery - apples
Route 295 - Canaan Road, Richmond, MA . Phone: 800-833-6274. Open: Wed to Sunday, 9am to 5pm Labor Day until Columbus Day for PYO; Stand open 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Mass Pike to Exit 1, to Route 41 North to Route 295 West, farm three quarters of a mile on the right. Containers provided, children welcome, picnicking and free hayrides on weekends. View cider mill and offer hard cider. Year round stand and bakery. New: Furnace Brook winery tours & tastings. - Jaeschke Orchards - apples, pumpkins
Gould Road, Adams, MA 01220. Phone: (413) 743-3896. Open: Starting Labor Day come pick your own apples 7 days a week. Click here for a map and directions.
Jaeschke Orchards Facebook page. . For over 130 years our third-generation family-owned farm has been growing apples at the base of Mt. Greylock. Jaeschke's (<em>pronounced yes-keys</em>) Orchard produces some of the finest apples in the region. In the fall we have apples, pears, plums, peaches, pumpkins, mums, and turnips .Our farmstore offers pies, jams and jellies baked in our own certified kitchen, maple syrup, cheese, bread and other local farm-produced goods. We offer pick-your-own apples by the bag, apple cider and apple cider donuts We have a farm store that stocks native fruits and vegetables from September until March. We also open in May until Fathers Day, offering spring bedding plants, hanging baskets, perennials and vegetable plants for your garden. facebook page. - Lakeview Orchard - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, cherries, plums, red currants,raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises
94 Old Cheshire Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237. Phone: 413-448-6009. Open: Early July to October 31; Tuesday through Sunday 9 am to 5:30 pm; Columbus Day Monday. Directions: Route 7 to Summer Street then left on to Old Cheshire Road. 1 mile ahead on the right. From Route 8: Old State Road to Summer Street then right onto Old Cheshire Road. 1 mile ahead on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Sweet and Tart Cherries : July; Raspberries : July to a killing frost, Apples : mid August through October. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. We offer "pick your own" (PYO) on sweet & tart cherries, red & black raspberries, Italian plums, shiro plums, red currants, and our 17 varieties of apples. Remember: the dates given below are always subject to change, due to weather and other growing conditions. You will find our already-picked apricots, blueberries, nectarines, peaches, and pears at our Farm Stand in season. (UPDATED: October 06, 2016, JBS) - Riiska Brook Orchard - apples, blackberries, blueberries, pears, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises
101 New Hartford Road, Sandisfield, MA 01255. Phone: 413-258-4761. Email: info@riiskabrookorchard.com. Open: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, Please call for mid week hours. Directions: 101 New Hartford Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Riiska Brook Orchard Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 413-822-7811. . - The Maple Connection/the Harvest Pride - apples, maple syrup
Route 143, PO 565, Hinsdale, MA 01235. Phone: 413-842-7592. Email: carmel_dan@yahoo.com. Open: year round please call ahead for times and crop we are picking and or boiling maple syrup; Please call ahead for pyo crops. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Crops are usually available in February, March, April, September, October, November. We are more of a maple syrup set, meaning we focus on that crop the most. We also have a fine line of jams and jellies that are made as the crops come in from harvest. We sell to retail stores and other outlets. - Windy Hill Farm - apples, blueberries
Route 7, 686 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA . Phone: (413) 298-3217. Email: office@windyhillfarminc.com. Open: Labor Day to Columbus Day, 24 varieties through the season; 9-4pm daily. Directions: On Route 7 at the Stockbridge/Gt. Barrington townline. 2 miles from the center of Stockbridge. Click here for more information: . Click here for a map and directions. . Beautiful views of Monument Mtn. and Belchertown State Forest. . (UPDATED: October 06, 2016, JBS)
Franklin County
- Apex Orchards Inc. - apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, school tours
225 Peckville Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Phone: (413) 625-2744. Email: apexorchards@gmail.com. Open: Mid September to October 9am to 5pm. Directions: South: I-91 N to RT-2A exit (Exit 26- toward RT-2/Greenfield/N. Adams) Enter roundabout to 3rd exit onto MA-2 / Mohawk Trail. Drive 3.5 miles and turn right onto Peckville Road. Continue 0.7 miles to 225 Peckville Rd, Shelburne , MA North: I-91 S to RT-2 exit (Exit 26- toward RT-2A/Greenfield/N. Adams). Enter next roundabout to 1st exit onto MA-2 /Mohawk Trail. Drive 3.5 miles and turn right onto Peckville Road. Continue 0.7 miles to 225 Peckville Rd, Shelburne , MA. . Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
Apex Orchards Inc. Facebook page. . . (ADDED: February 02, 2016) - Bear Swamp Orchard - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, apples, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, farm animals
1209 B Hawley Rd, Ashfield, MA 01330. Phone: 413-625-2849. Email: apples@bearswamporchard.com. Open: Starting mid September - Saturday and Sundays 11 am to 5, or call ahead during the week, we are often around. Directions: From Route 112 in Ashfield Ma, head west on Hawley Rd, go 1 mile and bear right staying on Hawley Rd, go another 1.5 miles on Hawley Road and follow signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Bear Swamp Orchard Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (413) 768-7989. Fax: (413) 768-7989. . We are certified organic for all crops! - Clarkdale Fruit Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, cider mill,
303 Upper Road, Deerfield, MA . Phone: (413) 772-6797. Email: info@clarkdalefruitfarms.com. Open: farmshop daily 9 am to 5 pm, PYO apples daily 10 am to 4 pm. Directions: From Route 91/2 rotary in Greenfield, 2 miles South via Newton, Fairview and Munson Streets. Signs at intersections. Containers supplied, children welcome with parents. Clarkdale is a fourth-generation fruit farm located in the beautiful hills of Deerfield, Massachusetts. We have fresh-picked apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries and grapes are harvested from August through October. We still have heirloom apple varieties from trees planted by the first generation of Clarks, and continue to plant new varieties every year. We practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and strongly believe in sustainable agriculture. We press sweet cider from mid-September to March, and offer pick-your-own McIntosh apples in the fall. We start making cider in early October, and continue through the winter. Our cider is light-treated, which makes it safe for all ages to drink while still preserving its flavor. We press pear cider and other special blends for CiderDay as well as for the Thanksgiving and . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, check, credit cards, SNAP. . , August through March PYO starts early September. Christmas holidays. HIP benefits supported as well. MA Farmers' Market WIC and Senior coupons also accepted. Over 100 varieties of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries and grapes are harvested from August through October. We still have heirloom apple varieties from trees planted by the first generation of Clarks in 1915, and continue to plant new varieties every year. We practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and strongly believe in sustainable agriculture. (UPDATED: October 9, 2020 JBS) - Dole Farm - apples
Peckville Road, Shelburne, MA . Phone: (413) 625-2317. Click here for a map and directions. . Route 2 west from Greenfield 3 miles right onto Peckville Road, 1 mile on right. September 15th - Oct. Friday pm, Saturday & Sunday 9-6pm. Family owned, minimal spray. - Hamilton Orchards - apples, blueberries and raspberries.
22 West Street, New Salem, MA . Phone: 978-544-6867. Email: b.j.hamilton@earthlink.net. Open: See the note below; last hours were weekends from 9am to 5pm. Directions: Located in central Massachusetts, just off Route 202 near the northern end of Quabbin Reservoir. Click here for a map and directions. . Call for weekday hours according to picking conditions. Fall raspberries start early September to mid-Oct. . Exit 16 off Route 2. Look for signs. Containers furnished, supervised children welcome. does not accept credit cards or SNAP/EBT Cards. Cash only or checks with a photo ID. A visitor writes on October 21, 2014: "As far as I know Hamilton Orchard in Franklin county is closed/out of business. We went out there on October 5th and it was a ghost town. Not a soul in sight. Their website has not been updated since 2013. Very sad- it was a wonderful place- I've been going there for about 30 years." - Mohawk Orchards - apples
Colrain-Shelburne Road, Shelburne, MA . Phone: (413) 625-2874. Click here for a map and directions. . Route 91 to Route 2 West, farm is 3 miles out of Greenfield (on Route 2). Labor Day through Columbus Day, 9-5pm. Containers provided. - Pine Hill Orchards - apples
248 Greenfield Road, Colrain, MA . Phone: 413-624-3325. Open: September 2 - October 15, depending on apple crop. Directions: 3 miles North of Route 2 West, North to Route 91, West to Route 2, turn at Colrain-Shelburne Road, orchard 3 miles away. . Click here for a map and directions. . Blueberries PYO daily during store hours. Saturday & Sun, 10-4pm. - Quonquont Farm and Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, peaches, Fresh eggs, porta-potties, weddings and wedding parties
9 North Street, Whately, MA 01093. Phone: (413) 575-4680. Email: info@quonquont.com. Open: Early July through mid October, Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Directions: From I-91 take exit 35 onto Routes 5/10 south into Whately. Take the first right onto Swamp Road, then right onto North Street. Quonquont Farm is on the left at 9 North Street. Caution! Some GPS units confuse 9 North Street in Whately with North Street in South Deerfield or Haydenville. Please follow the directions above if your GPS does not lead you to Whately. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, ApplePay, AndroidPay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
Quonquont Farm and Orchard Facebook page. . Typical crop dates: blueberries early July through mid-August; flowers July through mid-October; peaches mid-August through mid-September; apples mid-August through October;. We use integrated pest management practices. Vegetables, cider, honey, maple syrup and other locally-made products available at the farmstand. In addition to our orchards and flower gardens, we are stewards for a rich ecosystem of meadows, forest, a spring-fed farm pond, a series of lively beaver ponds, and the Whately Dingle Brook. (UPDATED: December 23, 2021)
Hampden County
- Cook's Farm Orchards - apples, blueberries.
106 Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield, MA . Phone: 413-245-3241. Email: cooksorchard@gmail.com. Open: daily from 10am to 6pm during the season. Directions: Route 20 West to Brimfield Center stop light. one half mile south on Route 19, follow signs. Cook's Farm Orchard is . Click here for a map and directions. . . No minimum, free weekend trailer ride. open in the summer (check with us) for Blueberry picking, and from September through Thanksgiving, and weekends through Christmas for apples, cider, and baked goods.Fall is the time of year when the fun really starts at Cook's Farm Orchard. Pick-your-own apples and enjoy the crisp air, sun-warmed fruit, and the sights & scents of autumn in the orchard. - Echo Hill Orchards and Winery - pyo apples, pears, pumpkins, already-picked apples, pears and pumpkins, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, school tours, haunted hayrides
101 Wilbraham Road, Monson, MA 01057. Phone: 413-267-3303. Email: echohillorchards101@hotmail.com. Open: PYO apples begin Labor Day weekend, tractor rides on weekends; Call ahead for crop availability for PYO on weekdays. Directions: Center of Monson (Rte.32) West on High Street to Wilbraham Road approximately 2 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Family friendly haunted hayrides Friday and Saturday nights in October. Please call ahead for dates and times. Cider donuts in the Fall. Country gift shop and our own line of wines. - Jameson's High Meadow Farm - apples, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, farm animals
410 Skyline Trail, Chester, MA 01011. Phone: 413-667-3640. Email: bjameson5@gmail.com. Open: Pick your own blueberries opens middle July; Pick your own apples opens late August from 9 am to 5 pm, daily. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Picking updates: call or email. Call for exact opening dates: Blueberries - middle July Apples - late August. Hay and maple syrup for sale. Call 413-354-9609 for price and availability. - Kosinski Farm - apples, blueberries, vegetables.
227 North West Street, Feeding Hills, MA . Phone: 413-572-4344. Open: July & August, 7 days a week from 7am to noon, except closed on Friday. Click here for a map and directions. . Route 57 West 1 mile past Feeding Hill Ctr. Turn right onto North West Street, one half mile on left. - Roberts' Hillside Orchards - apples, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Autumn, black), U-pick and already picked
275 South Lane Road, Granville, MA 01034. Phone: 413-357-6690. Open: Farm stand open week ends, honor system during the week. Directions: Granville Center to Route 57 West, go past town hall, turn left onto South Lane Road, go 2 miles to farm stand on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . apple varieties: Mackintosh, Macoun, Spencers, Sun Crisps, Honey Crisps, Mustu, Delicious, Cortland.
Hampshire County
- Atkins Farm - apples
Atkins Farms Country Market, 1150 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Phone: (413) 253-9528. Email: info@atkinsfarms.com. Click here for a map and directions. . . Junction of Bay Rd & Route 116, Amherst. Weekends 10am to 5pm. Call ahead to confirm. Bakery, Meat Dept. , Floral, Gifts, Produce and Deli. - Bashista Orchards - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, cherries, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area
160 East Street, Southampton, MA 01073. Phone: 413-5279091. Open: Mid June is pick your own cherry time; Starting time varies. Directions: 2.2 miles from route 10 on East Street. 3.5 miles from route 141 Southampton road. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
Bashista Orchards Facebook page. . Our family farm has been growing fruit since 1926. Some of the trees from Jacob Bashista's original orchard are still producing fine fruit for your enjoyment. Our blend of ripe apples are slow pressed in our own cider mill to create a fine apple cider that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Don't forget those awesome cider donuts!. - Dickinson Farms - apples, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
309 East State Street, Granby, MA . Phone: (413) 467-3794. Directions: 2 miles East of Jct. Route 33 and New Ludlow Road, and/or going south on Route 202 in Granby, take a left on Ferry Hill Road, and follow signs. Come visit our Farm Stand where you will find our own fresh-grown native corn, tomatoes and a wide array of vegetables, along with baked goods and breads, milk, eggs, cheese and so much more. Also enjoy in-season Pick Your Own (PYO) strawberries and blueberries at our New Ludlow Road, Granby, MA location and raspberry picking at our Farm Stand/Greenhouse location.Fall: Our Farm Stand is transformed into an autumn oasis filled with mums, pumpkins, apples, cornstalks, gourds, fall decorations and more. And remember.. we offer apple picking at our 134 South Street, Granby, MA location. . Click here for a map and directions.
Dickinson Farms Facebook page. . for Raspberries, Strawberries, in their seasons, daily from 7 am to 7 pm; Call for Blueberries/Apple schedule. Containers provided, children welcome with supervision. Christmas: poinsettias, wreaths, Christmas trees, kissing balls, garland, cemetery logs and pots, Christmas shop and more. Facebook page. - Formerly Small Ones Farm - Certified Naturally Grown, apples, U-pick and already picked, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, school tours, Honey from hives on the farm
416 Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Phone: . Open: The farm orchard was sold; and we have not yet heard from the new owners, so assume it is closed until further notice. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. - Kielbasa Orchards - apples,
290 Bay Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Phone: 413-455-6687. Email: kielbasa.orchards@gmail.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, September 1 to November 15. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Kielbasa Orchards Facebook page. . . (ADDED: March 25, 2016) - Outlook Farm - apples,
136 Main Rd Route 66, Westhampton, MA 01027. Phone: 413-529-9388. Email: Outlookfarm@yahoo.com. Open: At Outlook Farm we invite you to pick your own apples everyday from 10am to 4pm, starting September through October. Directions: From Northampton, Ma Rte. 9 West, Bare left onto Rte. 66 west, Follow Rte. 66 for 7 1/2 miles, Outlook Farm is on the left, From Springfield, MA Rte. 91 North, Exit 17B, Rte. 141 West, Follow Rte. 141 west until it ends at Rte. 10, Left onto Rte. 10 for a half mile, Take your first right on Glendale Road, Follow until stop sign, Left onto Rte. 66, Follow 1 mile up Rte. 66, Outlook Farm is on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
Outlook Farm Facebook page. . Fax: 413-529-0421. . We do not pick on rainy days; We supply you with a half bushel size apple bag for picking at the cost of $25 per bag; We only offer one size bag for pick your own. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. On Sunday afternoons September 9th through October 21st you can take a horse drawn hayride 1 pm to 4 pm for a charge! Apples are harvested in order of ripeness; Please call for info on what varieties are ready. May Bloomin Festival. June Strawberry Festival. July Cherry Festival. August Peach Festival. September Apple Festival. October Pumpkin Festival. Pig Roast and BBQ Noon-3pm: Enjoy a plate of BBQ with all the Fix'ins a plate includes choice of meat, cold salad, baked beans, corn bread and soda or water.
Comments from a visitor on July 12, 2010: "Excellent. They had PYO cherries yesterday and host a variety of PYO events throughout the year. serves wonderful breakfasts. In addition, this is the 2nd year in a row that they offer monthly harvest festivals in the summer months. On July, 11 the hosted a PYO Cherry Festival. This was the 1st time i had experienced cherry harvesting in Western, MA and all three varieties (including yellow) were delicious! Western MA does not market their cherry crop nearly enough..I hope I can help spread the word." - Park Hill Orchard - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blackberries, blueberries, pears, peaches, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, concessions \\/ refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Phone: (413) 303-0335. Email: contact@parkhillorchard.com. Open: from 10 am to 5 pm for picking. Directions: Type in Park Hill Orchard to your map program. Otherwise turn on West street from Route 10 in Easthampton. Turn right on Oliver Street and Right on Park Hill Road for half a mile. We are the apple orchard you will see. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
Park Hill Orchard Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Blueberries in July turning to peach as August comes; Apple picking starting August 15 until November;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Art In the Orchard is a popular outdoor sculpture exhibition. The Farm stand, PYO, and Art In the Orchard all open in early to mid August.(ADDED: January 02, 2019) - Phoenix Fruit Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, peaches, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties, weddings and wedding parties
249 Sabin Street, Belchertown, MA 01007. Phone: (413) 213-1414. Email: elly@phoenixfruitfarm.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, July 28 to October 21. Directions: Coming from the Mass Pike: Take exit 8 (Palmer/Amherst). Turn left on 32, then left onto High Street. Bear right onto Palmer street/route 181. Follow signs to stay on 181, and after about 5-6 miles, you will take a right on Cold Spring road. Take your first left onto Sabin street, drive past the UMass Orchard, and Phoenix Fruit Farm will be on the right. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
Phoenix Fruit Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (978) 430-9459. . All of our fruit is grown using advanced IPM practices, and ecological growing techniques. We do not use herbicide, choosing instead to foster a complex ecosystem in the soil and understory of the trees. We use biological and cultural pest control methods, and use sprays only when there is no other non-chemical control option. (ADDED: April 09, 2018) - Round Hill Orchard - - apples, blueberries and raspberries.
1 Douglas Rd, Southampton, MA 01073. Phone: 413-562-4985. Open: 8am-Dusk 7 days a week: mid-July to mid-Oct. Directions: Exit 3 off Mass Pike, take Route 10N about 3 miles. First left after the Southampton sign. Or South on Route 10 from Northampton, last right before Westfield. . Click here for a map and directions. . Horse and sheep to feed. Offer fresh farm honey. Children welcome w/adult. School & group tours by appt - South Hadley Farm - apples, blueberries, pears, strawberries, cucumbers, onions, pears, plums, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm
10 Pearle Lane, South Hadley, MA 01075. Phone: 413-313-2586. Email: d_olesiuk@earthlink.net. Open: Sunday to Monday, from 8 am to dusk. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. South Hadley Farm Alternate Phone: 413-533-4197. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Welcome to, Olesiuk-Weinack Families, proudly raising fruits and vegetables for the western Massachusetts communities for three generations. We strive to offer the freshest fruits and vegetables for you and your family
Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first. Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches. If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe
- Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
- Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
- For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
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Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life. A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too. A refrigerator is fine for small
quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot
where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning
it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in
a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and
potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age,
potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster.
If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine.
Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples . See more here: How to store apples at home - Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!
Which apple variety is best?
There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:
- Summary table of many apple varieties and their characteristics
- Detailed descriptions of each apple variety with detailed characteristics
- Apple varieties, sorted by the order in which they typically ripe
- Apple varieties that don't turn brown when they are cut
- Why are some apples brown or spotted inside when you first cut them open?
Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions
- How to make applesauce
- How to make apple butter
- How to make apple jelly
- How to make apple pie filling (canned)
- How to can apples
- Home canned apple juice
Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions
- Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
- How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
- Apple cobbler
- Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
- Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
- Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
- Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)
Using fresh apples and miscellaneous
- How to stop cut apples from browning
- Apple festivals - find one near you!
- Apple facts
- Apple seeds and cyanide