All About Apples, Recipes, and Late-Season Produce

As the crisp night air of autumn settles in, our farm is bustling with the rich aroma of freshly harvested apples, a true hallmark of the fall season. This time of year, the trees are heavy with fruit, and our farm invites you to embrace the beauty and bounty of apples and the other late-season produce that thrives as summer fades into fall.

The Magic of Apples at Our Farm

Apples have long been synonymous with the fall season, and at our farm, they’re more than just a fruit—they’re a tradition. We grow nearly fifty different types of apples on 45 acres of farmland, offering diverse flavors, textures, and uses. Whether you’re in the mood for a tart Granny Smith, a sweet Honeycrisp, or something more unique like a vibrant Pink Lady, our orchards have something for every apple enthusiast.

Our apples aren’t just for picking; they’re part of the full farm experience. We press our fresh apple cider right here in our cider mill, turning our homegrown apples into a refreshing drink that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you enjoy it warm, cold, or transformed into a spiced cider, it’s a seasonal delight that pairs perfectly with cool fall evenings.

Exploring Late-Season Produce

While apples may steal the spotlight, our farm is also home to a variety of other late-season produce. Pears, melons, and peppers are still abundant, offering a colorful and flavorful contrast to the apples’ red, green, and yellow hues. Our Italian prune plums, known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor, are another treat that’s ready for harvest during this time of year.

These late-season fruits and vegetables are perfect for adding a fresh, local touch to your meals. From savory dishes featuring roasted peppers to sweet desserts showcasing the best of our pears and plums, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the harvest.

Delicious Apple Recipes to Try at Home

The versatility of apples makes them a favorite ingredient in a wide range of recipes. Here are a few ideas to bring the taste of our farm into your kitchen:

1. Classic Apple Pie: Nothing says fall like a homemade apple pie. Use a mix of our Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and don’t forget a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for that warm, cozy flavor.
2. Apple Cider Doughnuts: Our fresh-pressed apple cider isn’t just for drinking. Incorporate it into your baking by making apple cider doughnuts, a farm-fresh treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Or pick-up some of our fresh baked doughnuts at our farm store, farm stands or participating farmers markets.
3. Onion, Potato, Carrot, & Apple Soup: As the weather cools down, warm up with a hearty soup. Combine our apples with potatoes, carrots and onions for a seasonal dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Find the recipe here. 
4. Fresh Apple Crumble: For a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, try this apple crumble. Top sliced apples with a buttery oat topping, drizzle with caramel sauce, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Join Us for Fall Festivities

Autumn is a time of celebration at our farm, and we’re excited to share the season with you. In addition to apple picking, we’re hosting a variety of fall-themed events, including our farm-to-table apple pancake breakfasts, where you can start your day with fluffy homemade pancakes topped with our apples. Don’t miss our Apple Cider themed Corn Maze, where you can navigate your way through our giant corn maze while learning about our Alstede Fresh apples and apple cider at every turn.

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, we invite you to visit our farm, pick your own apples, and experience the best of the fall season. Whether you’re here for the produce, the cider, or the memories, there’s something special about autumn on the farm that you won’t want to miss. 

Plan your fall visit to our farm here.