Autumn in New England means apple picking season. A great activity for people of all ages, picking local fruit is an exciting (and delicious) experience and there are steps you can take to make it an even healthier one.
Organic apple orchards can be tricky to find around New England due to the natural challenges growers face to combat the local weather and pests. Unfortunately, apples are consistently ranked number one on the Dirty Dozen list, meaning that conventionally grown apples tend to have the highest traces of pesticide residue. This shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your apple picking experience, but it’s something to keep in mind as you look into local apple orchards.
We did some research, and with the help of the Holistic Orchard Network, we compiled a list of some of the organic apple orchards scattered throughout New England, some of which offer pick-your-own apple deals.
During the fall and winter, we source all of our local apples from Dwight Miller & Son Orchards in East Dummerston, VT. The Miller family also supplies us with delicious maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. They offer pick-your-own hours at their orchard so you can even plan your own visit if you’d like.
There are other options around New England listed below. For more information about apple nutrition, storage and recipes, visit our Apple Page!
New England Organic Apple Orchards:
Massachusetts
Bear Swamp Orchard
Steve Gougeon 1209 B Hawley Road Ashfield, Massachusetts 01330 (413) 625-2849
bearswamporchard.com
Old Frog Pond Farm
Linda Hoffman 38 Eldridge Road Harvard, Massachusetts 01451 (978) 456-9616
oldfrogpondfarm.com
New Hampshire
Lost Nation Orchard
Michael Phillips 859 Lost Nation Road Groveton, New Hampshire 03582W (603) 636-2286
herbsandapples.com/orchard
Vermont
Dwight Miller & Son Orchard 581 Miller Road East Dummerston VT 05346 (802) 254-9635
Seasonal/Fall hours starting late August. 9 am – 5 pm daily.
Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard
Todd Parlo 120 VT Route 215 Walden, Vermont 05873 (802) 563-3012
waldenheightsnursery.com
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know where you like to go apple picking!