Happy (Almost) Labor Day Weekend

Happy (Almost) Labor Day Weekend

While it might feel like fall hasn’t landed quite yet – one of the season’s most famous crops is rearing and ready to go – apples! Due to a heat wave that swept through the region in mid-march, apples got an early start on growing, and now they’re ready to be harvested as early as week before Labor Day.

Fresh Picked Apples (Photo by Planetc1)

While it may seem like this is good news for apple growers, many are wary as to whether families are ready to devote their weekends to one of fall’s most time honored traditions.
“It’s too hot out,” said Ted Painter, owner of Shelburne Farm Orchard. “People are still out at the beach.”
However, orchards outside of New England have bigger fish to fry than an early harvest. Huge percentages of their crop have been devastated by drought and late spring frosts. The Department of Agriculture expects an apple crop that is down more than 14% nationally.

Apple Picking (Photo by Jeff Kubina)

So I guess that means those of us in New England should feel lucky to be able to continue of our most time honored traditions of apple picking. What do you think? Are you planning to go apple picking this year? What is your favorite apple treat?

Homemade Apple Pie (Photo by avlxyz)