| Where can I taste that
apple?
While we pride ourselves with our variety
descriptions, there’s nothing like the real thing. No words
can compare to the taste. Frequently I’m asked, “Where
can I taste a ….?” Here are a few suggestions.
Maine:
Visit the orchards near you. Call the Maine Dept of Ag at (207)-287-3491
or visit them on-line at getrealmaine.com
for a complete list of the orchards in Maine. Many have unusual
varieties. Even one or two rare finds can be worth the trip. Below
are a few orchards with wonderful collections. I’m sure there
are others. Don’t be frustrated if you call and reach no one.
Just go. By September most of them are open 6 or 7 days a week.
• Ricker Hill Orchards, Turner, Androscoggin
County (207)-225-5552, www.rickerhill.com.
Organic apples and more. Collection of young heirlooms includes
most of the Fedco list. Some should be fruiting in a year or two.
• Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards,
Cumberland Center, Cumberland County (207)-829-3074, www.maineapple.com.
A great collection of old and new varieties. Their pride and joy
is an ancient Rolfe tree. Don’t miss it.
• Bailey’s Orchard, South Windsor,
Lincoln County (207)-549-7680. One of the largest collections of
old varieties in the state.
• Lakeside Orchards, Manchester, Kennebec
County (207)-622-2479, www.lakesideorchards.com.
Organic apples and a good collection of mostly new varieties.
• Rollins Orchard, Garland, Penobscot County
(207)-924-3504. A very good collection of unusual old varieties.
• Sandy River Orchard, Mercer, Somerset County
(207)-587-2563. Francis Fenton’s huge collection of 100 or
more varieties.
• The Apple Farm, Fairfield, Somerset County
(207)-453-7656. A great collection of unusual old and new varieties.
• Cayford Orchards, Skowhegan, Somerset County (207)-474-5200.
57 varieties of tree fruit.
• Greensweet, Unity, Waldo County (207)-453-4486. Call first,
open weekends, over 50 varieties.
• Sewall’s Orchard,
Lincolnville, Waldo County (207)-763-3956, www.sewallsorchard.com.
Organic apples including some of the first disease resistant releases.
• Dole’s Orchard, Limington, York County
(207)-793-4409, www.dolesorchard.com.
Mix of old and new. They have two un-named varieties crossed by
the late Maine plant breeder, Russell Bailey. Both are extremely
rare, if not unique.
Other States:
I know a few orchards with good collections outside of Maine. If
you know of any we should list, please let us know. An internet
search could direct you to an orchard nearby.
• Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton, MA. (978)-779-5521,
www.nashobawinery.com.
A large collection of old and new varieties.
• Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
(508)-869-6111, www.towerhillbg.org.
The best collection of historic varieties in New England. At last
count, 119 all labeled in an arboretum-type setting. A great place
to study the fruit. Usually for sale at a special event over Columbus
Day weekend. Call ahead.
• Hutchins Farm, Concord, MA (978)-369-2480.
Nice collection of old and mostly newer varieties.
• Gould Hill Orchard, Contoocook, NH (603)-746-3811,
http://www.gouldhill.com/.
Large collection of new and old varieties.
• Poverty Lane Orchards, Lebanon, NH (603)-448-1511,
www.povertylaneorchards.com.
Likely the best collection of unusual dessert apples in New England.
One of the largest collection of cider apples in the U.S. They have
all the cider varieties we sell.
• Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole, NH (603)-756-9090,
http://www.alysonsorchard.com/whatgrows.htm.
Although I’ve never been there, I’ve heard they have
an extensive collection. |
