pics

[kayre]

So today I took my first Monday off in months. There was one particular goal on my mind for this fall: to get to an orchard not too far away during prime apple season. So I picked my route, as little interstate as possible (had to cross the Hudson, which limited my no-interstate options). Once on the east side of the river, I got off on a very quiet state route that hugged the east bank. I found two lovely parks that are on my 'must go back' list, though it'll likely be next spring. I love the approach to the rules on this sign-- if it's not on the sign, it's allowed!





I arrived at the orchard's farm store, and was quickly delighted-- they had SIX varieties I've never tasted! I bought samples of three, and will go back soon for the others. I tasted the first today, the Esopus Spitzenburg as above. Seriously, my first bite made me gasp with delight. It is intensely flavorful, sweet with what I experience as a hint of orange, though it's often described as spicy. Apparently they keep well and cook well; the problem is that they're risky to grow. As one web site sums them up, "One of the great American apple varieties, thought to be Thomas Jefferson's favourite. Noted for its spicy flavour, and for its susceptibility to any and every disease afflicting apples."

I stopped at another orchard stand just a couple of miles away. It was a bust where apples are concerned, same varieties I can find in a good supermarket. But they had a wall of shelves of jellies and jams that were reasonably priced (unlike the usual $10 half pints). While I was choosing, I heard someone singing quietly behind me-- very bouncy and happy, "doot doot do doodle doodle doot do dooo..." Turned around, and it was a nun, poking among the apples with clear delight. I gave her a big smile, and later was able to help her and her companion choose among the grades of maple syrup (friends don't let friends buy Fancy).