apple picking – New England's Narrow Road

Apple Picking in New Hampshire 2015

girl eating apple in orchard — Apple Picking 2015

It’s that time again, when I head out to the local apple orchard and pick some delicious Macs. Macintosh are my favorite apple, and when they are fresh picked right off the tree they are hard, crisp and juicy.

Norway Hill Orchard is the closest to where I live, so I always go there. This year we discovered that they had trouble getting someone to spray the trees, so the apples were not looking the best. Many of them have black spots, but we were assured that they were just as good eating. And it’s true. The apples are as delicious as ever.

The day was warm for early October, and the sun was shining which made our trip even more fun. My neighbor, my daughter and I each filled the smallest bags they sell, and even enjoyed munching on the fruit while we picked. Eating them is encouraged!

The black spots are surface only blemishes, and I made a lovely apple pie with mine. It’s almost time to go back for more. A new crop of a different variety is coming into season, but I can’t remember what they are. It doesn’t matter. Anything picked off the tree has to be good.

I found this great site that lists the orchards from around the United States (and other places) and what types of apples they grow. If you are interested check it out at the Orange Pippin link.

Apple Picking at Norway Hill Orchard

It’s October and apple picking time in New England. And aren’t we glad that the apples come into season in Fall? Picking at Norway Hill Orchard in New Hampshire is such a treat. Not only does it have a view of Mt. Monadnock, but the hill is a beautiful place to visit. Lovely old (and new) homes line the drive up to the top where the orchard is home to some trees that are over 100 years old.

My neighbor and I headed to Hancock (New Hampshire) mid-day on Thursday, October 3rd, in hopes that it wouldn’t be too crowded, and it wasn’t. But the car paths and “parking” signs we saw as we walked to the through the orchard, told of the many visitors that come on the weekends.

The stand near the road has bagged up apples ready to sell, but we wanted to pick our own. It was a gorgeous, sunny day with temps in the 70’s, so we were not in a hurry. The man at the stand gave us directions to find the Macintosh trees, and also the Courtlands, if we wanted them.

The first trees we found were pretty much picked clean, but after walking further we found trees that were just loaded with gorgeous fruit. The bags fill up fast, and we stuffed them to overflowing. At $10.50 for a peck, it’s not exactly cheap to pick your own apples, but they are as fresh as you can get, and it’s a once in a year treat.

Save money by choosing to fill up the bag with “drops”. Gather apples off the ground, which are still good, but much less money. It’s an honor system, but I think the man could tell if you lied and said they were drops but they weren’t. He looked at our bags and said, Oh, you picked from the trees. He’s an expert!

We asked about the Macouns which would be coming in next, and he handed each of us one to try. I may go back if my bag empties too soon from all the pies, muffins, pancakes, and crisps I’ll be making.

Apple Picking at Norway Hill Orchards

Norway hill apple orchard — The Apple Stand at Norway Hill Orchards

I can’t believe I waited so long to pick apples this year. I would have to kick myself if I let the season pass without picking some fresh, juicy apples. A few days ago the weather was just gorgeous and my son and I drove to Hancock, New Hampshire to pick some Courtland apples at Norway Hill Orchard. It’s just off Rt. 202 and you can get there by going up Forest Rd., or Norway Hill road.

(UPDATE, 2018: This orchard is closed. So sad.)

View in the apple orchard — The homestead – Are they lucky or what?

Actually the variety available was mind-boggling and since I usually pick Macintosh (they were about gone by then), I chose the Courtlands, which turned out to be very delicious.
It was easy to see that the season was about gone, with all the rotted “drops” under the trees, but we filled our peck size bag, paid the $9.

apple orchard and view of mt. monadnock — View of Mount Monadnock from the Orchard

Traveling around these New Hampshire roads in Fall is such a treat. When I first moved here from Florida I felt like I was driving through a beautiful painting each time I took a trip. Going to the grocery store was almost enjoyable.

On the way home I snapped this photo going down the hill from the orchard. As we headed to the house, I began making notes of all the recipes I would be trying soon with my fresh picked apples.

If you are making a day of it here in New Hampshire, you could travel down through Hancock and head out Rt. 123 to Stoddard and climb Pitcher Mountain. It’s not a long climb and the views are spectacular.