All posts tagged: farms

Top Farms in the U.S.

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Visit a farm with your family this Fall (or any other time of year) and enjoy a great experience! Take a look at our guide to the best farms in the country. Alabama Aplin Farms, Slocomb, (334) 792-6362 This farm is known for tomatoes, pumpkins, melons, hens, wagon rides, and a petting zoo. Best time to go: June through October. Mountain Fork Farm, New Market, (256) 379-4762 This farm is known for its turkeys, broilers, and eggs, alongside heirloom tomatoes and fresh leaf lettuce. Best time to go: April to November. Alaska Calypso Farm and Ecology Center, Ester, (907) 451-0691 This farm is known for vegetables—learn about 30 to 40 different varieties on a nonprofit educational farm on the road to Denali National Park. Best time to visit: June to September. Arizona Brown’s Apple and Pear Orchard and Cider Mill, Wilcox, (520) 384-3671 This farm is known for apples and pears. Best time to go: August through October. Date Creek Ranch, Wickenburg, (928) 231-0704 This farm is known for grass-fed beef, plus Golden Delicious apples, …

How To Pick Apples

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Fall is the best time to visit a local farm and pick fresh apples.     HOW TO PICK ‘EM Pick apples that are smooth, firm, and free of bruises and punctures, which speed decay. While shine isn’t the best indicator of ripeness (many supermarket apples are waxed), the apple should look vibrant in color. Check for freshness by flicking the skin close to the stem: A hollow sound means it’s past its prime. Then smell: The fresher the apple, the stronger it’s sweet aroma. HOW TO STORE ‘EM Apples do best in cold storage; at room temperature they quickly become mealy. Keep them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. Wash apples when you’re ready to use them. HOW TO EAT ‘EM Try apples in all types of salad: Apple and Fennel Salad with Parmesan: Toss thinly sliced apples and fennel with chopped fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Top with shaved Parmesan.   APPLES   Cortland: Sweet and tender American variety Season: October to January Best for: Applesauce …