As I was driving up Foster Hill Road, WB, just now I was impressed to see the bumper crop of apples on the trees of Honey Bee Orchard! The reality is we have an abundance of apple orchards in the region from Breezeland to Cheney to Lincoln's Happy Apple Orchard and Ragged Hill Orchard in West Brookfield.
Apple blossom time in May kicks the season off. Beehives are brought in to pollinate the blossoms and over summer nature does its thing. Now as we approach September apples abound. Migrant workers as well as local labor pick the apples one at a time.
Apples are grown around the world. McIntosh and Delicious are popular in these parts. Drops are picked off the ground. The wood from apple trees makes for some good smelling aromas.
Apple cider is a favorite. Here in West Brookfield we have Allen's Cider Mill on Wigwam Road. And then there's Hard Cider!
Visiting places such as Brookfield Orchards on a weekend can add much to the entire process. Baked goods are offered along with the Flea Market offerings. Apple pies.. apple sauce.. apple pan dowdy ..yum..yum..yum!
Yes, Fall is coming so why not rusticate to the Brookfields and beyond? Remember.. an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
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