Things to do in your
Long Subaru - Charlton
It probably comes as no surprise that most of us at Long Subaru live and shop locally. Besides, we have the best customer base for knowing all the great outdoor and off-the-beaten-path places to visit and eat. So with the annual delivery of Mrs. Carman's apple pies the thought of going apple picking gained in popularity. (Editor's note: Sadly, just because you go apple picking, doesn't mean you can bake pies)
Massachusetts is home to hundreds of orchards growing a diverse and high quality selection of apples. Choosing to pick your own allows you to connect directly to the farm and is a fun activity for the whole family. So, last Saturday we took our Subaru to Charlton Orchards Farm, and Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery off Rt. 20 in Charlton, MA.
The sun was shining and, with our half bushel bag containing the hand-draw directions to the Cortland and McIntosh apple trees located behind the farm shop, we headed off on an adventure. Being a crisp October day the closest trees were a little barren due to the September apple picking crowd. But do not despair, plenty of apples still weighed down the branches located a pleasant walk and wander away. However, we were then faced with the question of which apples we wanted to pick. SO, a short lesson is in order...
McIntosh: small-to medium-sized with a red and green skin that is thick, tender, and easy to peel. Discovered by John McIntosh in 1811 on his farm in Ontario, Canada, the McIntosh thrives in cool northern climates. The fruit is used primarily for dessert, excellent for sauces, and good for pies although the use of a thickener is often suggested.
Cortland: sweet with a hint of tartness, this great all purpose apple was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1898. A cross between the now almost extinct Ben Davis variety and the McIntosh, the Cortland's popularity is enhanced by the fact that they do not turn brown quickly when cut. Excellent for eating, salads, sauce, pies and baking.
Of course, with such a large bag to fill we were able to pick ample amounts of both varieties. We also have it on good authority that Mrs. Carman uses a secret ratio of Cortland and McIntosh in her pies.
Before leaving, we stopped in to the Farm Shop to check out their inventory of fresh produce, baked goods, and the large selection of Obadiah McIntyre wines made on the premises. Spend an afternoon at a local orchard, you will not regret it!
Need something else to satisfy your fall food cravings and fortify you for all the peeling and coring in your near future? No worries, Charlton has you covered. Just head over to the plaza located at the corner of Masonic Home Rd. (Rt. 31) and N. Main St. (directions here). There you'll find Richard making the best, local, and fresh hand popped kettle corn. The unique combination of sweet & salty seasoned popcorn offered by King of Kettle Corn will keep you coming back year after year.
Things to know...
Charlton Orchards Farm is open seasonally and weather permitting through Thanksgiving weekend. Check their website at www.charltonorchard.com for events or call 508-248-7820 for produce availability.
Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery tasting room is open for tasting on Sundays only Noon to 4 pm. However, the farm store does carry bottles for sale. Check out their current wine list online.
King of Kettle Corn is available every Saturday until the snow flies (weather permitting) from 10am-3pm. Contact Richard at kingofkettlecorn@aol.com
Fun Facts...
Kettle Corn was hugely popular in the 18th century but then all but disappeared before reappearing in the 21st century at fairs and festivals.
The once popular Ben Davis apple was called the "mortgage lifter" because it was a reliable producer and the fruit would not drop from the trees until very late in the season.
Apple Inc. employee Jef Raskin named the Macintosh line of personal computers after the McIntosh apple deliberately misspelling it to avoid conflict with manufacturer McIntosh Laboratory.
For those of us who need help with pies (baking, not eating) check out Andrea Darrow's (Green Mountain Orchards) tutorial.
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Contact Sara at sbrunell@longauto.com
