Now through December 31st, we are working to raise funds for Hurricane Relief in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 storm with winds near 185 mph, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Families have lost homes, power, and access to basic necessities.

This cause is especially close to our hearts. Each year, we are fortunate to welcome a dedicated team of Jamaican workers who help us in our orchards during the growing season. They come to us through a U.S. Department of Labor program which allows foreign guest workers to work on U.S. farms during the growing season. We have been employing guest workers from Jamaica for nearly 60 years. Many of our current workers have been with us for over 10 seasons. Some are sons of former workers. They are essential to our efforts in successfully completing our harvests every year. These workers have recently gone home and now face the arduous task of repairing from the damage done by the hurricane. Lyman Orchards has supported them individually with a hurricane relief donation.

The rebuilding efforts in Jamaica will take time and require many resources. Lyman Orchards is partnering with The Salvation Army to launch a donation campaign in support of the people of Jamaica. The Salvation Army is mobilizing to provide immediate relief by delivering food, shelter, and compassionate care to those affected.

How you can help:

• Round Up at the Register: When you visit the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you can round up your purchase or donate any amount at our registers. Every cent collected will go directly to The Salvation Army's Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund.
• Donate Online: You can also give directly through The Salvation Army Hurricane Melissa Jamaica Relief Fund.

Every donation helps restore dignity and hope to communities in crisis and ensures The Salvation Army can act swiftly and effectively when help is needed most.

Win a FREE Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree! Lyman Orchards is Hosting the 2025 Connecticut Christmas Tree Coloring Contest in Conjunction with The Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association, Inc. now until November 14th at The Apple Barrel Farm Market!

Calling All Artists Grades K-4! Bring on your best coloring skills to win a FREE Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree from The Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association, Inc.  The Apple Barrel Farm Market will be hosting the 2025 Connecticut Christmas Tree Coloring Contest NOW -November 14th. 

Just bring our Creativity and we'll provide the Christmas Tree Coloring Sheet and Crayons!

One entry per child. Color and decorate the tree using crayons only.  On the back, put your name, grade, full address including county and phone number. Judging will be held on November 22, 2025. Contestants will be notified by November 23, 2025.  A certificate to present to the Choose & Cut Tree Farm owner will be mailed to the winners. Parent/guardian will be responsible for picking up the Christmas Tree from the selected tree farm. This is a statewide contest open to Connecticut residents only. 10 prizes will be awarded from statewide entries. Two from each grade level, K-4.

The winning pictures will be posted on the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association (CCTGA) website.

As the crisp November air settles over the orchards, there's one apple that still stands tall on the trees, the Granny Smith. With their bold green hue and perfectly tart bite, these apples are a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the season. They're firm, vibrant, and versatile. They are also the kind of fruit that holds its shape through baking, balances the richness of holiday dishes, and adds a zing that keeps things interesting.

Still Picking in November? You Bet!

While many varieties wrap up earlier in the fall, Granny Smiths are known for their staying power. They hand on the trees late into the season, soaking up those cool autumn nights that make them extra crisp. Apple picking in November is a quieter, cozier experience with fewer crowds, golden views of the orchard, and that satisfying feeling of gathering the last minute fruits of the year before winter sets in.

Why We Love Granny Smith

There's something iconic about that tangy flavor. Granny Smith apples are the perfect balance to all the sweetness that fills holiday tables - pies, cookies, and candied everything. Their tartness brightens recipes and their firm texture means they won't turn mushy when baked or cooked.

Here are some of the best ways to use them this holiday season:

1. Classic Apple Pie with a Twist

Granny Smiths are a pie-lover's dream. Their tartness stands up beautifully to warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. For a holiday twist, mix them with a touch of orange zest or a splash of maple syrup. It will add depth and a hint of cozy sweetness.

2. Savory Holiday Stuffing

Add diced Granny Smith apples to your Thanksgiving stuffing for a burst of flavor and texture. They pair perfectly with sage sausage, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. It's a small addition that makes a big difference.

3. Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

This dessert tastes likes comfort in a dish. Use cubed brioche, chunks of Granny Smith apple, and a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Holiday Charcuterie Board

Thinly sliced Granny Smiths add the perfect tart crunch to balance rich cheeses and cured meats. Plus, their bright green color makes your board look extra festive.

A Sweet End to Apple Season

November may mark the end of apple-picking season, but Granny Smiths make sure it goes out on a high note. Granny Smith apples reminds us that some of the best gifts come straight from nature. Whether you're baking, cooking, or snacking, their tart flavor brings a little sparkle to every dish. So before winter settles in, take one last stroll through the orchard and bring home a taste of the season - fresh, green, and full of holiday cheer.

Cortland apples are one of fall's most dependable favorites, bright red with a touch of green, juicy white flesh, and that irresistible balance of sweet and tart. Bite into one and you'll instantly taste why Cortlands have remained a go-to apple for generations.

Developed over a century ago, Cortlands are known for staying snowy white long after slicing. That means they're a top pick for fruit trays, salads, and snacking, no lemon juice required. Their firm yet tender texture also makes them ideal for cooking and baking, whether you're stirring up warm applesauce or pulling a golden pie from the oven.

The Perfect Apple for Every Kitchen

Cortlands have mild, mellow flavor that deepens when baked or cooked, giving them that cozy fall taste that's perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few easy and delicious ways to use your freshly picked (or purchased!) Cortland apples:

Cortland Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 6 Cortland apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• Spread the sliced apples evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
• Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Cortland Apple & Cheddar Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 Cortland apples, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
• Honey Dijon dressing

Directions:

Toss everything together in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. The crisp sweetness of Cortland apples pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar and the crunch of walnuts.

Bring Home the Taste of Fall

Cortland apples keep beautifully in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy their flavor well beyond your orchard visit. They're perfect for baking, packing in lunches, or adding a touch of sweetness to your favorite fall dishes. Whether you're enjoying them fresh or in a warm dessert, Cortlands bring that perfect touch of autumn to every bite.

Fall at Lyman Orchards means one thing, apple season is in full swing! Few apple varieties capture the flavor of New England quite like the Macoun. Known for their deep red color, snow-white flesh, and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, Macouns are a fan favorite year after year. One bite and you'll understand why, they're crisp, juicy, and bursting with that just-picked freshness that only comes from a local orchard.

Macoun apples are a cross between the McIntosh and Jersey Black varieties, giving them their signature snap and aroma. They're not only delicious but grown with care at Lyman Orchards. Our orchards are ec0-certified, meaning we follow environmentally responsible farming practices, reducing pesticide use, protecting pollinators, and nurturing healthy soil. When you pick a Macoun from our trees or grab a bag from the Apple Barrel Farm Market, you're enjoying a piece of fruit that's as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.

Macouns are often called "the perfect apple" by those who know them best:

• Flavor: A delightful balance of sweetness and tang that's hard to beat
• Texture: Crisp and juicy, never mealy
• Versatility: Great for snacking, baking, salads, or sauces
• Local Heritage: A true New England classic!

These apples are one of our most popular apples for good reason! Sweet, crisp, and locally grown with care, Macouns are the true taste of fall at Lyman Orchards.

There's something special about Crispin apples hanging from the trees at Lyman Orchards. Their bright yellow-green color catches the sunlight and hints at the refreshing flavor inside. Also known as Mutsu apples, Crispins are a hidden gem of the pick-your-own season, offering that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Originally a cross between Golden Delicious and the Japanese Indo apple, the Crispin combines the best traits of both: a honeyed sweetness, a juicy bite, and a crisp texture that lives up to its name. They're large, firm, and wonderfully crunchy, making them a great choice whether you're planning to bake, cook, or simply snack your way through fall.

One of the best parts about picking Crispins at Lyman Orchards is how versatile they are. Their dense texture holds up beautifully in pies, crisps, and tarts, where they stay firm and flavorful even after baking. They're also delicious sliced fresh for lunchboxes or cheese boards, or cooked down into sauces and ciders. And because they're naturally juicy, they add a refreshing bite to salads and savory dishes too.

In the orchard, Crispin trees are easy to spot. Their golden-green fruit shines among the leaves, often with a slight blush that appears as the days grow cooler. They're one of our favorite varieties to recommend for pick-your-own because they stay crisp for weeks when stored properly and their size makes filling a bag both quick and rewarding.

Crispin apples are now ripe for picking at Lyman Orchards or picking up at the Apple Barrel Farm Market!