ExploringMaine.com
SOUP TO NUTS
What's the apple of your eye?
MAINE APPLE SUNDAY
THIS SUNDAY, Sept. 13, is Maine Apple Sunday. Some orchards will be doing something special that day. Pietree Orchard in Sweden, for example, will be treating its customers to free homemade apple brownies and apple crisp. Connie Sweetser of Sweetser's Apple Barrel and Orchards in Cumberland Center plans to make apple crisp from her own recipe to serve to customers.
FRESH APPLE CAKE
THIS BASIC RECIPE for an apple cake comes from Connie Sweetser, who says it is one of the most popular recipes she shares with her customers at the Apple Barrel. Applesauce can be substituted for the oil.
1 1/2 cups oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups peeled, chopped apples
1 cup chopped walnuts
Combine all ingredients, except apples and nuts. Mix well. Stir in apples and nuts.
Pour into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan and bake in a pre-heated oven at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
CIDER SQUASH SOUP
THIS IS CONNIE SWEETSER'S own recipe for cider squash soup:
3 pounds butternut squash
2 medium onions, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups apple cider
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon curry, or to taste
Peel and cook squash until tender. Saute onions in oil until translucent.
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
Serves 8.
CUMBERLAND CENTER — Connie Sweetser, zipping around her family's orchard in a little cart, pulls up to a row of young trees that are covered in honeycrisp apples slowly ripening in the early September sun.
"As you can see, they are what I call dripping with fruit," she said.
All around the orchard, the story is the same: No matter what the variety of apple, the fruit is big and juicy this year. It looks as if Maine apple growers are in for a good season.
But they've had a tough time getting there.
"This has been the most difficult year to grow apples in the past 30 years," said Tom Gyger of Five Fields Farm in Bridgton. All the rain this summer soaked orchards, making it harder to get around and easier for disease to spread. Some trees shut down for a period because of lack of sunlight, and that meant no photosynthesis to grow and sweeten the fruit.
Scott Miller of Pietree Orchard in Sweden said his first apples tasted "insipid," but after a week in the sun, "they were great."
"Photosynthesis produces sugar, and that's what you need," he said.
Some early varieties, such as Jersey Mac, duchess and red Astrachan, have already gone by, so you'll have to wait until next year to try them. No worries. Maine apple growers have dozens of other varieties ready and waiting for you to pick or purchase in their orchards.
Below, you'll find a guide to apple varieties sold in about 20 Maine orchards, along with descriptions of what the fruit tastes like and how to use it.
I've covered the most popular varieties, but I've also tried to include some of the harder-to-find heirloom apples that are making a comeback. The list includes both September and October apples, so you can save this section and use it all season long.
I'll leave you with the one tip I heard over and over again from apple growers: Be sure to refrigerate your apples. They'll last a lot longer.
See you in the orchards.
Baldwin
What it tastes like: Ready in mid- to late October, this heirloom apple is crisp and juicy with a bit of sweetness.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Willow Pond Farm in Sabattus, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Good for baking, and makes "a fabulous venison mincemeat because it keeps its shape," according to Connie Sweetser.
McIntosh
What it tastes like: A mix of sweet and tart.
Where to get it: Available in mid-September, the Mac is Maine's most popular apple. Virtually every orchard has them.
How to use it: Snacking, cooking, applesauce, cider. Can become mushy in a pie.
Cortland
What it tastes like: Ready in late September, this apple is tart and crisp.
Where to get it: Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, Hansel's Orchard in North Yarmouth, Hardy Farms in Hope, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Boothby's Orchard in Livermore, Douglas Hill Orchard in Sebago, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Libby & Son in Limerick, Willow Pond Farm in Sabattus, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Randall Orchards in Standish, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: A favorite for cooking because it stays firm. Won't brown quickly when cut, so it's a good apple to use in salads or for serving with a sharp cheese. Also good for baking and drying.
Macoun
What it tastes like: Sweet and mildly tart like a McIntosh, but better. It stays crisper longer than a Mac.
Where to get it: Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, Hansel's Orchard in North Yarmouth, Hardy Farms in Hope, Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Libby & Son in Limerick, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Randall Orchards in Standish, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Ready in September, this is a good variety for applesauce. Cook it with the skin still on to make the sauce an interesting, purplish color. Also good for snacks and desserts.
Paula Red
What it tastes like: This early apple is sweet with a touch of tartness, like a McIntosh.
Where to get it: Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Boothby's Orchard in Livermore, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: Good for snacking, pies and applesauce.
Red Delicious
What it tastes like: Sweet.
Where to get it: Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Douglas Hill Orchard in Sebago, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Willow Pond Farm in Sabattus, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Randall Orchards in Standish, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Good for snacking and salads. Not recommended for cooking. Available in September and October.
Golden Delicious
What it tastes like: Sweet and juicy, ready in mid-October.
Where to get it: Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Douglas Hill Orchard in Sebago, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Libby & Son in Limerick, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Randall Orchards in Standish, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: A favorite of pastry chefs, this is an excellent baking apple. Also good for snacking.
Lady ('Christmas apple')
What it tastes like: This small heirloom apple is not much bigger than a crabapple but tastes sweet, more like a McIntosh.
Where to get it: Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale.
How to use it: This apple, which can be downed in two or three bites, has been called "edible garnish." Grab a handful and eat it like candy.
Honeycrisp
What it tastes like: Sweet, juicy and crisp; some fans say the flavor explodes in your mouth. This is Maine's hottest new apple, grown here since 1995 and available in late September and October.
Where to get it: Hardy Farms in Hope, Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Boothby's Orchard in Livermore, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Libby & Son in Limerick, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: Very popular for snacking.
Empire
What it tastes like: This late-September apple is sweet with some mild tartness.
Where to get it: Hardy Farms in Hope, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Randall Orchards in Standish, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: A good all-around apple for eating and cooking. Excellent dessert apple.
Spartan
What it tastes like: Sweet and juicy.
Where to get it: Hardy Farms in Hope, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester.
How to use it: Snacks and salads. Available in September and October.
Spencer
What it tastes like: Very sweet and tangy.
Where to get it: Hardy Farms in Hope, Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta.
How to use it: Good for snacking, but also a good pie apple. Ready by late September or early October.
Northern Spy
What it tastes like: Available in late October, this tart heirloom apple has a bit of spicy flavor to it.
Where to get it: Kelly Orchards in Acton, Hardy Farms in Hope, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Willow Pond Farm in Sabattus, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: Makes a great pie.
Mutsu (Crispin)
What it tastes like: Ready in mid- to late October, tastes similar to a Golden Delicious, but better flavor. Tangy.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Kelly Orchards in Acton, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole.
How to use it: Good for cooking and eating.
Jona Gold
What it tastes like: Available by early October, this cross between the heirloom variety Jonathan and a Golden Delicious is sweet, light and crisp.
Where to get it: Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Boothby's Orchard in Livermore, Randall Orchards in Standish, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Good snacking apple, good in salads and for cooking. Pairs well with cheese. Makes a decent pie when mixed with other varieties.
Ginger Gold
What it tastes like: Sweet and tangy.
Where to get it: Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Snacking; holds its shape in cooking and baking. Good for salads because it doesn't turn brown.
Gala
What it tastes like: Sweet.
Where to get it: Kelly Orchards in Acton, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Boothby's Orchard in Livermore, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Biscay Orchards in Damariscotta, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Available in late September and early October, this apple is known for its good dessert characteristics. Also used for salads, sauces, snacking and baking.
Brock
What it tastes like: This late fall apple is tart, crisp and juicy. It was developed at the University of Maine and named after an apple grower from Alfred who helped test it.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center.
How to use it: Excellent dessert apple.
Fuji
What it tastes like: Ready in October, this crisp apple is very sweet and juicy.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: Snacking, salads and sauce. Sauce made with this apple needs little or no sugar.
Blue Pearmain
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple with a bluish bloom (coating over the blush) is mild and sweet.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester.
How to use it: Good eating apple.
Tolman Sweet
What it tastes like: As the name implies, this heirloom apple has a sweet flavor.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester.
How to use it: Good for cooking, baking, making jelly.
Braeburn
What it tastes like: Spicy sweet-tart flavor.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond.
How to use it: Good for snacking, great for baking and pies.
Winesap
What it tastes like: Tart and tangy, some say it has a spicy flavor reminiscent of red wine.
Where to get it: Pietree Orchard in Sweden, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond.
How to use it: Cider, snacks and salads.
Rolfe
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple is juicy and tender crisp.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center. This orchard at one time had the only Rolfe tree left in Maine.
How to use it: Use it as an eating apple and take a bite into Maine history.
Red Gravenstein
What it tastes like: Sweet.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center.
How to use it: Bakers of pies swear by Gravensteins. (It wins a lot of apple pie contests.) Wonderful with cheese. Also good for eating and cooking. No need to add sugar when you make applesauce. Dried Gravensteins keep their flavor well.
Newtown Pippin
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple, said to be a favorite of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, is slightly tart and said to have a piney quality.
Where to get it: Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond.
How to use it: Best for sauces and pies.
Wolf River
What it tastes like: This very large heirloom apple is a bit tart.
Where to get it: Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: A cooking apple, good for baked apples and pies.
Ida Red
What it tastes like: Tangy. Ready in late September.
Where to get it: Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish, Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin.
How to use it: Good all-around apple.
Golden Russett
What it tastes like: Very sweet.
Where to get it: Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester.
How to use it: Popular for cider. Also good for snacking and drying.
Rhode Island Greening
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple is crisp, juicy and tart, similar to a Granny Smith.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole.
How to use it: A good baking apple that can substitute for a Granny Smith.
Pound Sweet
What it tastes like: Very sweet.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Lakeside Orchards in Manchester.
How to use it: Good eating apple, but best when baked.
Nodhead
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple, available in late September, has its own rich, distinctive flavor – mild, and not too sweet.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Lakeside Orchard in Manchester.
How to use it: A good eating apple, adds great flavor to apple cider.
Winter Banana
What it tastes like: Sweet and, as the name implies, may taste a little like a banana.
Where to get it: Lakeside Orchard in Manchester.
How to use it: For dessert and cooking, but better as an eating apple because it's so mild.
Wealthy
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple is crispy and tart, with a hint of strawberry.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Apple Ridge in Auburn, Moultons Orchards in Standish.
How to use it: An all-purpose apple used for snacking and in pies and sauces.
Snow Apple
What it tastes like: This heirloom apple has a sweet flavor.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center.
How to use it: An eating apple. Available mid- to late September.
Rome
What it tastes like: Slightly tart.
Where to get it: Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond.
How to use it: Ready in October, these apples are great for baking.
Fortune
What it tastes like: Gently sweet and slightly spicy.
Where to get it: McDougal Orchards in Springvale.
How to use it: Used for snacking, and in baking and salads.
Jonathan
What it tastes like: Sweet-tart, spicy.
Where to get it: Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole.
How to use it: All-purpose apple, good for snacking.
Liberty
What it tastes like: Sweet-tart, crisp.
Where to get it: Sweetser's Orchards in Cumberland Center, Randall Orchards in Standish, Clark's Cove Farm in Walpole.
How to use it: An all-purpose apple good for eating or cooking. Ready in late September or early October.
Granny Smith
What it tastes like: Crisp and tart.
Where to get it: Randall Orchards in Standish, Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond.
How to use it: Baking, sauces, salads, snacking.
Staff Writer Meredith Goad can be contacted at 791-6332 or at: mgoad@pressherald.com