We're kicking off our Apple of the Week series with a true fan favorite - Gala apples! To celebrate 285 years of Lyman Orchards, we're offering not one, but two sweet ways to save on this crisp, crowd pleasing variety.

Meet the Gala Apple

Originally discovered in New Zealand, Gala apples have become one of the most popular apple varieties in the word – and for good reason. Known for their sweet flavor with a hint of tartness, Gala apples have a crisp, juicy bite that makes them incredibly versatile.

At Lyman Orchards, Gala apples are typically available for Pick Your Own in early September, marking one of the first sweet tastes of apple season here in Connecticut.

What are Gala Apples Best For?

Gala apples shine in just about everything, making them a must-have in your kitchen:

• Fresh eating: Sweet, crisp, and kid-approved
• Baking: Great for pies, crisps, and muffins
• Cooking: Holds up well in sauces and roasted dishes
• Salads: Adds a juicy crunch and natural sweetness

Eco Certified & Grown with Care

All of our apples at Lyman Orchards are eco-certified, meaning they're grown using environmentally responsible farming practices that protect our land while producing high-quality fruit. It's part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability – something we've been proud of for generations.

Celebrate 285 Years with Apple of the Week

In honor of our 285th anniversary, we're celebrating Gala apples with these limited-time offers:

• $2.85 for 2 lbs. of Gala apples
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kids Pack or 10 lb. bags of Gala apples (mix and match–equal or lesser value)

Whether you're stocking up for snacks, baking projects, or family fun, these deals make it easy to bring home more of your favorite apples.

Each week, we'll be spotlighting a different apple variety, sharing what makes it special and offering great ways to save. Gala apples are just the beginning!

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (January 21 - January 27) to enjoy our Gala apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of growing great fruit. 

Parsnips don't always get the spotlight, but they absolutely deserve it. Often mistaken for pale carrots or skipped over in the produce aisle, parsnips are one of those quietly amazing ingredients that reward anyone who gives them a chance. Once you start cooking with them, it's hard to understand why they aren't a staple in every kitchen.

What makes parsnips special is their natural sweetness. Unlike many root vegetables, parsnips become sweeter as the weather gets colder, which is why they shine in fall and winter cooking. Roasting brings out caramelized notes that feel warm and comforting, while still keeping an earthy depth that balances richer dishes beautifully. They can taste almost honeyed, but never cloying.

They're also incredibly versatile. Parsnips roast like a dream, mash into a silky, flavorful alternative to potatoes, and blend smoothly into soups where they add body without overpowering other ingredients. Shaved thin, they can even be eaten raw in salads for a crisp, slightly nutty bite. They pair especially well with flavors like thyme, sage, garlic, maple, apples, and a touch of spice.

From a nutrition standpoint, parsnips are doing more work than you might expect. They're high in fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you feeling full, and they provide important vitamins like C and folate. They're hearty and satisfying without being heavy, making them a great choice when you want comfort food that still feels nourishing.

Parsnips also fit perfectly into seasonal, farm-forward cooking. They store well, grow in cooler climates, and show up when fresh produce options start to narrow. That makes them a natural choice for winter menus, cozy dinners, and dishes that celebrate simple ingredients done well.

At the end of the day, parsnips are one of those vegetables that prove great food doesn't have to be flashy. They're reliable, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant when treated with a little care. If you've been overlooking them, now's the time to give parsnips their moment. They might just become your new favorite root vegetable!

Simple Maple-Roasted Parsnips

This is the easiest way to fall in love with parsnips. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them beautifully caramelized edges.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: fresh thyme or a pinch of chili flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF.
2. Toss parsnips with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden brown.
5. Finish with fresh thyme or chili flakes if desired and serve warm.

There's something incredibly comforting about a classic chicken pot pie, and at Lyman Orchards, it's one of those dishes that feels like home the moment you take your first bite. Made right in our farm store kitchen, our chicken pot pie is a customer favorite for good reason – it's hearty, comforting, and made the old-fashioned way.

Each pie is filled with tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots and peas, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together. It's all tucked inside a flaky, golden crust that bakes up perfectly every time.

Whether you're picking one up for an easy weeknight dinner, bringing it to a family gathering, or stocking your freezer with something you'll actually look forward to eating, our chicken pot pie delivers that cozy, homemade feeling without any of the prep work. It's the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out –especially on chilly New England days.

To enjoy it as its best, just heat it in the oven until bubbly and golden, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve with a simple salad or a warm roll. It's comfort food at its finest.

Next time you're visiting the Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel, be sure to grab one (or two). Our store-made chicken pot pie is a true customer favorite – and once you try it, you'll understand why.

Ever find yourself in the Apple Barrel Farm Market on a random February afternoon and wonder, "How do they still have apples?" Or maybe you've had that moment where you suddenly miss Pick Your Own apple season – crisp air, orchard views, and that perfect first bite.

At Lyman Orchards, apple season doesn't end when fall does.

After harvest, our eco-certified apples are placed into cold storage, where they're kept just above freezing to slow down the natural ripening process. This helps preserve the fresh-picked flavor, crisp texture, and juiciness you love.

Many of our eco-certified apples are stored using controlled atmosphere storage, which carefully adjusts oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This allows the apples to rest in a natural "sleep mode," staying fresh for months, without the use of preservatives.

High humidity levels help prevent moisture loss, ensuring apples stay firm and flavorful until they're ready to be enjoyed. When apples are removed from storage, they gradually "wake up," delivering the crisp bite and taste just like they were in the heart of apple season.

This process allows us to proudly offer Lyman Orchards eco-certified-grown apples year-round, bringing a true farm-fresh experience to your table, long after harvest season has passed!

Our apples are available to ship online or stop in the Apple Barrel Farm Market to pick some up!

Holiday shopping can be tricky, finding a gift that feels personal, practical, and truly appreciated isn't always easy. That's where the Lyman Orchards Gift Card shines. It's a simple, thoughtful present that lets your loved ones choose how they want to enjoy one of Connecticut's most beloved destinations.

A Lyman Orchards Gift Card is truly universal, making it perfect for everyone on your list. Food lovers can stock up on fresh-baked pies, cider, donuts, local products, and seasonal favorites at the Apple Barrel Farm Market or enjoy a cozy meal at 1741 Pub & Grill. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can use it towards Pick Your Own experiences, the Corn Maze, or the Sunflower Maze, creating memories that last far beyond the holiday season.

For the golfer in your life, the gift card opens the doors to unforgettable rounds at any of Lyman Orchards' three golf courses or can be used at the Golf Pro Shop for gear, apparel, and accessories. Whether it's a day on the greens, a farm-fresh meal, or a fun-filled afternoon at the orchard, the possibilities are wide open.

What makes the Lyman Orchards Gift Card especially meaningful is that it's not just a gift, it's an experience. It offers flexibility, choice, and the chance to enjoy something special in every season. From winter dining and spring golf to summer sunflowers and fall apple picking, it's a present that keeps giving all year long.

If you're looking for a holiday gift that's easy to give and always appreciated, the Lyman Orchards Gift Card is a perfect choice - one card, countless ways to celebrate.

How to Order?

• Visit our online store to purchase and have a physical card sent
• Visit 1741 Pub & Grill, The Golf Center, The Golf Club or Apple Barrel Farm Market and purchase one on site.

This Thanksgiving, you don't need a full kitchen marathon to enjoy a delicious holiday feast. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, celebrating with a friend, or simply craving a no-stress holiday meal, our Deli-Made Thanksgiving Meal for Two is the perfect way to enjoy all the classics without any of the prep.

Our ready-to-heat meal is crafted with care, using fresh ingredients and traditional flavors that taste just like home. Each meal includes:

• Apple Cider-Brined Turkey: Tender, juicy, and infused with seasonal apple cider for a hint of sweetness
• Savory Stuffing: A comforting blend of herbs and hearty bread, baked to perfection
• Green Beans: Lightly seasoned and cooked crisp-tender
• Brown Sugar Carrots: Sweet, buttery, and beautifully caramelized
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, smooth, and full of rich garlic flavor
• Turkey Gravy: The perfect finishing touch to bring it all together

Whether you're looking to keep things simple or elevate your holiday with ease, this meal offers everything you need for a satisfying, home-style Thanksgiving dinner - just heat, plate, and enjoy. Pre-order and pick up in store! Deadline to pre-order your meal online is Saturday, November 22nd.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Premade Sides

If you're hosting a gathering or want extra helpings of your favorite holiday flavors, we're also offering a full lineup of premade Thanksgiving sides, available individually:

• Stuffing
• Mac & Cheese
• Mashed Potatoes
• Green Beans & Carrots
• Cranberry Sauce
• Turkey Gravy

Mix, match, and fill your table with all the traditional comforts you love, without the hassle.

Available Now Through Thanksgiving

All deli-made holiday items, including the full Meal for Two and all premade sides are available in-store now through Thanksgiving. Stop in, stock up, and let us help make your holiday warm, delicious, and wonderfully simple.