Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1525817
ABOUT BURNHAM ORCHARDS Burnham Orchards is an apple orchard in Berlin Heights, Ohio. They're committed to preserving traditions passed down through generations by using regenerative farming practices and providing high-quality products that celebrate their orchard's rich history and flavors. Learn more at www.burnhamorchards.com. • Empire: Sweet/tart; mostly red over green or yellow; crisp; excellent for eating; September-May; excellent for pie and sauce; good for baking • Jonagold: Sweet; red over yellow; firm; excellent for eating; September-November; good for sauce; excellent for pie and baking • Golden Delicious: Sweet; yellow/ green; crisp; excellent for eating; September-May; good for pie and sauce; excellent for baking • Melrose: Mild; red over yellow; crisp; excellent for eating; October-April; good for pie and sauce; excellent for baking • Suncrisp: Sweet; yellow with blush; crisp; excellent for eating; October-January; good for pie and sauce; fair for baking • Stayman-Winesap: Spicy; red; firm; good for eating; October-April; good for pie and sauce; excellent for baking • Candycrisp: Sweet; yellow; crisp; excellent for eating; October-November; fair for pie, sauce, and baking • Granny Smith: Tart; green with pink blush; crisp; good for eating; October-February; not recommended for sauce; excellent for pie and baking • Fuji: Sweet/spicy; red blush with green/yellow stripes; firm; excellent for eating; October-May; excellent for pie; not recommended for sauce; good for baking • Gold Rush: Tart/spicy; yellow; crisp; excellent for eating; November-March; excellent for pie, sauce, and baking • Pink Lady: Sweet/tart; red with green blush; hard/crisp; excellent for eating; November-March; good for pie; not recommended for sauce or baking 3. What's the biggest challenge in maintaining the apple orchard? One of our biggest challenges is managing pests and diseases while preserving the health and productivity of the trees. Weather conditions also play a large role. A late frost can damage blossoms and reduce yield, and a hot, dry summer can stress the trees and affect fruit quality. 4. Do you have any tips for picking apples? You should pick apples from the outside and top of the tree because they ripen first. Look for apples with smooth, unblemished skin, and instead of pulling them off, twist and lift them so you don't harm the fruit or tree. Always handle apples gently to avoid bruising. 5. How can people make the most of their apples? To extend their shelf life, store apples in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator or basement. Keep them away from other fruits that produce ethylene gas, like bananas, so they don't ripen too quickly, and use blemished apples first, as they won't last as long as perfect ones. Also, consider canning or freezing apples for long-term storage. Apples can be peeled, sliced, and frozen for later use in baking and cooking. 6. What's your favorite way to use apples? My preferred way to use apples is to make coffee cakes and crisps—a family favorite, especially of my grandma's. However, you can never go wrong with sliced apples dipped in caramel. It's a simple yet delicious treat that highlights the natural sweetness and crispness of the apples. 7. Why should people visit an apple orchard? Going to an apple orchard offers a unique, hands-on experience. Because our apples are picked at the peak of ripeness, they're fresher and higher quality than those found in stores. This freshness translates to better flavor and texture, making apple-eating a delightful occasion. And when you pick your own apples, you can choose the exact varieties and quantities that fit your needs. Purchasing apples directly from a local orchard also supports local farmers and the local economy, helping to sustain agricultural businesses in your community. It's a more sustainable choice, minimizing the carbon footprint of transporting produce over long distances and decreasing pollution and energy consumption. Visiting an orchard can be educational, too. You learn about apples, the growing process, and the hard work of producing exceptional fruit. It's an excellent opportunity to teach children where their food comes from. Lastly, an orchard visit can be an entertaining, family-friendly outing. Many orchards have additional activities, like hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and cider tastings, and sell other seasonal products, like pumpkins, berries, jams, and baked goods. Overall, visiting an apple orchard is a fresh, flavorful, and fun alternative to buying apples at the store, with the added benefits of supporting local agriculture and enjoying a day in nature. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 7