Written by Boston Organics | Sep 14, 2012 2:36:00 PM
*UPDATED OCTOBER 2018
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 near the top of 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. We’ve indicated which farms offer pick-your-own.
Why not take the family out this weekend to pick your own apples? While you’re there, stop by the farm stands and learn how to make cider or try some delicious apple cider donuts!
There are many 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
Due to rain, pest and disease pressure, Bear Swamp Orchard apples are done for the 2018 season.
Old Frog Pond Farm
Linda Hoffman 38 Eldridge Road Harvard, Massachusetts 01451 (978) 456-9616
oldfrogpondfarm.com
Farm Stand open Wednesday-Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Maine
Ricker Hill Orchards* 295 Buckfield Rd Turner, Maine 04282 207-225-5552
rickerhill.com
Offers pick your own.
Sewall Orchards Bob Sewall 259 Masalin Road Lincolnville, Maine 04849 (207) 763-3956
sewallorchard.com/
Offers pick your own.
New Hampshire
Lost Nation Orchard
Michael Phillips 859 Lost Nation Road Groveton, New Hampshire 03582W (603) 636-2286
herbsandapples.com/orchard
Doesn’t offer pick your own.
Vermont
Dwight Miller & Son Orchard 581 Miller Road East Dummerston VT 05346 (802) 254-9635
Closed for pick your own this season. Apples can be purchased on the farm 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard
Todd Parlo 120 VT Route 215 Walden, Vermont 05873 (802) 563-3012
waldenheightsnursery.com
Doesn’t offer pick your own.
Rhode Island
Elwood Orchard 58 Snake Hill Road N. Scituate, Rhode Island 02857 (401) 949-0390
elwoodorchard.com/
Offers pick your own.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know where you like to go apple picking!
*Only some certified organic varieties