One of the most delightful experiences you can have is visiting a local orchard to pick your own fruit. Among the various offerings, donut peaches stand out as a unique and delicious choice. These charming little fruits not only offer a unique flavor, but also provide an exciting experience for anyone eager to enjoy the joys of fruit picking.

What are Donut Peaches?

Donut Peaches, also known as Saturn Peaches, are a fascinating variety of peach that sets themselves apart from their more traditional counterparts. Shaped like a donut, these fruits are flatter and wider, giving them a distinctive appearance that's hard to miss. Their skin is usually a beautiful blush pink with yellow undertones, and they often have a sweet aroma that hints at the juicy goodness inside.

One of the most notable characteristics of donut peaches is their low acidity and incredible sweet flavor. While traditional peaches can vary in sweetness and tartness, donut peaches deliver a consistently sugary taste that makes them irresistible. Their flesh is typically white or yellow, tender, and incredibly juicy, making each bite a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.

Unique Traits of Donut Peaches

1. Shape and Texture: The unique flat shape of donut peaches not only makes them visually appealing but also makes them easier to slice and eat. The skin is thin and can be easily removed, and the flesh is smooth and succulent.
2. Flavor Profile: With a sweeter and less acidic profile than standard peaches, donut peaches are perfect for those who prefer a milder taste. They also have a hint of floral notes, adding to their overall complexity.
3. Low-Chelation: This variety tends to have lower levels of the enzyme that causes browning, allowing them to maintain their beautiful appearance longer after being cut.
4. Nutritional Benefits: Like all peaches, donut peaches are packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to your summer diet.

The Picking Experience

Visiting an orchard to pick donut peaches can be a delightful day out. Picture this: you arrive at a sun-drenched orchard with rows of trees bursting with these plump, pastel-colored peaches. The air is sweet with the scent of ripe fruit, and the excitement of choosing your own peaches adds to the adventure.

Tips for Picking Donut Peaches

1.  Look for Ripeness: Choose peaches that are slightly soft to the touch, with a fragrant aroma. Avoid ones that are overly mushy or have blemishes.
2. Gently Twist: When picking, gently twist the peach off of the branch. This method helps to avoid damaging the fruit or the tree.
3. Enjoy the Orchard: Take your time exploring the orchard. Many farms offer other activities, such as hayrides or picnicking areas, so make a day of it!

Recipes for Your Donut Peaches

Once you've filled your basket with these delicious fruits, you might be wondering how to enjoy them. Here are a few quick ideas:

1. Fresh Slices: Serve them sliced with a sprinkle of lime juice for a refreshing snack.
2. Grilled Peaches: Halve and grill them for a delicious side dish or dessert topped with vanilla ice cream.
3. Peach Salsa: Dice them up and mix with red onion, cilantro, and lime for a sweet and savory salsa.

Conclusion

Picking donut peaches in an orchard is not just about the fruit; it's about creating memories, enjoying nature, and embracing the flavors of summer. Their unique shape and sweetness make them a standout choice, and the experience of hand-picking these delicious treats makes for a perfect day outdoors. So, gather your family or friends, find a nearly orchard, and indulge in the joy of picking your own donut peaches this season!

To learn more about Pick Your Own at Lyman Orchards, visit: https://lymanorchards.com/pick-your-own/ or call our Pick Your Own Hotline, 860-349-6015 for the most updated fruits for picking.

Picking your own fruit at your local orchard is an experience that delights all the senses, especially when it comes to strawberries. Strawberry picking season in Connecticut represents the start to pick your own season. There's something truly special about plucking these vibrant red gems right off the vine, knowing that each one is bursting with juicy sweetness.

Picking your own strawberries, it's not just about the fruit - it's about the entire experience. The aroma of ripe strawberries wafts through the air, tempting you even before you spot the bright red patches peeking out from the leaves. As you wander through the rows of plants, the sun-warmed berries practically beg to be picked and enjoyed.

Choosing the perfect strawberry is an art in itself. Look for ones that are deeply red all over, with no white or green shoulders. Pick them gently, cradling each fruit in your hand as you twist it off the stem. The satisfaction of filling your basket with your own hand-picked strawberries is unmatched.

Of course, the best part comes when you get to taste the fruits of your labor. Whether you enjoy them fresh off the vine, dipped in chocolate, or turned into jam, there's no denying that strawberries picked straight from the orchard are a true delight for the taste buds. So, next time you have the chance to visit your local orchard, be sure to indulge in the simple joy of picking your own fruit, especially those delicious strawberries.

Lyman Orchards strawberry picking season runs from Early to Late June. To learn more about picking your own strawberries click here.

As winter’s chill fades away and the earth awakens from its slumber, there’s a magical transformation that takes place all around us. Spring bursts forth in a riot of color and fragrance, as trees adorned with delicate blossoms paint the landscape with hues of pink, white, and soft pastels. In this blog, we embark on a journey to celebrate the breathtaking beauty of peach, pear and apple blossoms, exploring the enchanting sights and views that herald the arrival of spring.  

Peach Blossoms: A Symphony of Color and Fragrance  

Peach blossoms burst onto the scene with a riot of color and fragrance that delights the senses. From delicate shades of pink to vibrant hues of coral and peach, peach trees showcase nature’s vibrant palette in all its glory. As the blossoms unfurl in profusion, they create a dazzling display that is nothing short of breathtaking.  

The air is filled with the heady scent of blossoms, a sweet perfume that lingers in the breeze. Each blossom seems to glow with an inner light, radiating warmth and vitality that infuses the landscape with joy and vitality. It’s a scene that invites us to pause, to breathe deeply, and to revel in the beauty of the natural world.  

Pear Blossoms: A Vision of Elegance and Grace 

Not to be outdone, pear blossoms bring their own unique charm to the springtime landscape. With their delicate white petals and subtle fragrance, pear trees exude an aura of elegance and grace. As the blossoms unfurl in cascading clusters, they create a soft, ethereal beauty that captivates the senses.  

One of the most enchanting sights is witnessing a pear orchard in full bloom at dawn. Driving by as the first light of morning bathes the landscape in a golden glow, the pear blossoms seem to shimmer and glow from within, casting a spell of enchantment upon all who behold them. It’s a moment of pure magic, a fleeting glimpse of the sublime beauty that graces the world in springtime.  

Apple Blossoms: Nature’s Painterly Masterpieces 

Last but certainly not least, the arrival of apple blossoms signifies the beginning of spring’s grand spectacle. Picture-perfect clusters of delicate pink and white flowers adorn apple trees, creating a breathtaking tapestry of color against the backdrop of azure skies. As sunlight filters through the blossoms, casting a warm glow upon the landscape, it’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder and awe at nature’s artistry.  

Driving through an apple orchard in full bloom is an experience like no other. The air is filled with the sweet, intoxicating scent of the blossoms, and the gentle rustle of petals in the breeze creates a symphony of sound.  

In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, the arrival of spring and the blossoming of peach, pear, and apple trees remind us of the enduring power and beauty of nature. In their delicate petals and fragrant blooms, we find solace, inspiration, and hope for the future. So let us embrace the splendor of spring, and celebrate the pretty sights and views of peach, pear, and apple blossoms as a testament to the magic of the season.  

The Apple Barrel Farm Market is committed to supporting Connecticut Made products and the businesses that make them. That's why you'll find a wide selection of products from Connecticut producers, farmers, and artisans all  year round. From specialty cheeses to grass-fed meats, homemade pasta to hearty soups, and seasonal produce to artisan breads - we stock our shelves with products that are the heart of our state's economic diversity.

Connecticut is filled with a delicious collection of confectioners, bread makers, cheese makers, and pasta makers who make artisan products with local ingredients—here are a few the Apple Barrel Farm Market is featuring this month:

Antico Ravioli, Meriden

Brooklyn native Renato “Ronnie” Antico and his brother Frank have been making pasta for nearly 20 years. The Antico brothers carry a selection of authentic Italian specialties, including their most popular item - raviolis.  Like the name suggests, Antico Ravioli is old-school style - stuffed with Italian cheeses and meats.  Besides raviolis, Antico's makes manicotti, cavatelli and cannelloni at it's family-owned Italian market in Meriden.

Bureau's Sugarhouse Maple Kettle Korn, Old Lyme

The Bureau family has been maple sugaring for over five generations and upholds a reputation for great tasting maple syrup. While attending a local festival with their maple products, they stumbled upon a couple making kettle popcorn and immediately imagined themselves making kettle popcorn using their own maple sugar as the flavoring. Bureau's Sugarhouse Maple Kettle Korn is made using the finest select Gourmet popcorn. Their maple sugar gives Maple Kettle Korn a natural golden color and distinctive maple flavor. This enterprising family also developed their own Maple Sugar, Maple Jelly, Maple Cream, Maple Candy, and even their own Maple Vinegar made from scratch.

Chowder Pot of Hartford Lobster Bisque and New England Clam Chowder, Hartford

The Chowder Pot of Hartford has long been a destination for seafood lovers and people traveling from all over Connecticut as well as up and down the East Coast.  Made with fresh cream, local lobster and clams, and wholesome ingredients, Chowder Pot's Lobster Bisque and New England Clam Chowder is revered as some of the finest in New England!

Venice Bakery Stuffed Breads, Hamden

 

Family-owned for three generations, Venice Bakery of Hamden has been baking superior quality, preservative-free breads for over 80 years. Owner Bruno Castaldi is the third generation to operate the family business. Castaldi’s grandfather, Bruno Baldo, founded the bakery; his uncles John and Frank Baldo ran it until they retired several years ago. Venice Bakery offers over 25 varieties of stuffed breads, as well as biscotti, croutons, taralli (a kind of cracker), freselle (like a biscuit), and artisan breads.

Get a FREE taste of Connecticut Made products on Saturdays from 12-2pm at The Apple Barrel Farm Market!  Click here for more info.

For more Connecticut Made products, visit the Apple Barrel Farm Market located at 32 Reed's Gap Road, Middlefield, CT.  

Well what do you know - November is here and so are all of those glorious Thanksgiving traditions that go along with the season!  There's family, football, parades, and of course the food, and more food.  That's where Lyman Orchards is coming in for an assist.

For starters, your Thanksgiving gathering wouldn't be complete without pick-ons and appetizers. No need to stress yourself out - it can be something as simple as cheese, crackers and sliced fruit! The Apple Barrel Farm Market has a wide selection of cheeses from local cheese makers, including Mystic Cheese, Arethusa Farm, Winterplace Farm & Creamery, and Cato Corner Farm. Pair with specialty crackers and a variety of thinly-sliced apples straight from our orchards!

And if you wish to slay the day with a smorgasbord of pre-game snacks, we have that covered to!  Choose from specialty chips, dips, sauces and snacks for all kinds of tastes.

And onto the main event!  We've put together a savory seasonal Thanksgiving dinner menu for your holiday gathering including roasted turkey breast, seasonal sides, and all of the trimmings - and of course our award-winning Lyman Orchards High-Top Apple Pie!   Place your order by Wednesday, November 16th at 6pm, choose a convenient pick up time for Wednesday, November 23rd and we'll have your Thanksgiving dinner ready and waiting for you at the Apple Barrel Farm Market!  All you need to do is reheat and serve! Fill out an order form or call your order in to The Apple Barrel Farm Market at 860-349-6000.

Need extra turkey or sides? We'll have plenty of heat-and-serve sides on hand at the Apple Barrel Farm Market ready to go! 

And of course the sweet spot of the day-Pie!  Take home Connecticut's best pie as voted by CT Magazine Readers.  From apple to pumpkin, blueberry, and bumbleberry, our locally fresh-baked pies never disappoint!  

Pop into our award-winning bakery for a peek at all of our freshly-baked delicacies!  Cookies, pastries, breads, and more.

So, if you're ready to jump into Thanksgiving dinner planning, check out the Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market, or click here for our Thanksgiving Dinner To Go menu and order form!