The Empire apple lives up to its majestic name. First developed in New York in the 1940s, this variety is a cross between the classic McIntosh and Red Delicious apples. The result? An apple that blends the best of both worlds: the juicy sweetness of Red Delicious and the crisp, slightly tangy bite of McIntosh.

Empire apples are easy to recognize with their deep red skin and creamy white flesh. They're known for their satisfying crunch and balanced flavor - sweet with just a hint of tartness - which makes them a favorite for both snacking and cooking.

Why People Love Empire Apples

Empire apples are one of those varieties that seem to do it all. Their firm texture holds up beautifully whether you're enjoying them fresh or adding them to a favorite recipe.

Here are just a few reasons they're so popular:

• Perfect for fresh eating: Crisp, juicy, and refreshing
• Great for baking: They keep their shape in pies and crisps
• Excellent for Salads: Their sweetness pairs well with cheeses and greens
• Kid-approved: Sweet flavor and easy-to-eat texture

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 – so you can feel good about every crisp bite.

Celebrate 285 Years with Apple of the Week

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

• $2.85 for 2 lbs. of Fuji apples ($1.43/lbs.)
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kids Pack or 10 lb. bags of Fuji apples (mix and match–equal or lesser value)

Fun Apple Fact

The name "Empire" is actual a nod to New York's nickname, the Empire State, where the apple was originally developed. Today, it's grown throughout the Northeast and has become a staple of many orchards, including right here in Connecticut.

Each week, we're featuring a different apple variety along with special pricing, giving you a chance to explore new favorites or stock up on trusted classics.

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (March 11 - March 17) to enjoy our Fuji apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of farming in Middlefield, CT. 

Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive flavors and hearty favorites at Lyman Orchards! Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch or grabbing a dinner to take home, we've got a lineup of limited-time specials to help you enjoy the holiday.

Available Saturday, March 14th - Tuesday, March 17th While Supplies Last:

• Green Apple Cider Donuts
• Specialty Baked Goods
• St. Patrick's Day Themed Cookie Platter

Available Saturday, March 14th & Sunday, March 15th While Supplies Last:

• Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast Sandwich with Cheddar Cheese, Pickled Jalapeño Slices
• Shamrock Pancakes: Green Apple Cider Pancakes Available Plain or Chocolate Chip Topped with Whipped Cream and Butter

Available Sunday, March 15th - Tuesday, March 17th While Supplies Last:

• Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew: Corned Beef, Cabbage, Carrots, Potatoes, in a Savory Beef Broth
• Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner: Corned Beef, Cabbage Wedge, Carrots, Potatoes (pre-made meal - take and heat at home!)
• Classic Ruben Sandwich: Marble Rye, Thousand Island Dressing, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thinly Sliced Corned Beef, Piled High with a Side of Pickles

Stop by, wear your green, and celebrate the holiday with some delicious seasonal favorites. These specials are available for a limited time, so don't miss your chance to enjoy a little luck – and a lot of flavor!

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.

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 – so you can feel good about every crisp bite.

Celebrate 285 Years with Apple of the Week

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

• $2.85 for 2 lbs. of Macoun apples ($1.43/lbs.)
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kids Pack or 10 lb. bags of Macoun apples (mix and match–equal or lesser value)

Each week, we're featuring a different apple variety along with special pricing, giving you a chance to explore new favorites or stock up on trusted classics.

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (March 4 - March 10) to enjoy our Macoun apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of farming in Middlefield, CT. 

There's something instantly recognizable about a Cortland apple. Slice into one and you'll notice the bright, snowy white flesh – a detail that sets it apart from many other varieties. While most apples begin to brown within minutes, Cortlands are known for resisting oxidation, keeping their fresh-cut look longer. It's a small detail, but one that makes a big difference whether you're preparing a salad, assembling a charcuterie board, or setting out a platter for guests.

The Cortland apple was introduced in 1915 by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. Developed by horticulturist S.A. Beach, it was creating by crossing the McIntosh and Ben Davis apples. The result was a variety that combined the sweet-tart flavor people loved with improved texture and versatility. More than a century later, Cortland apples continue to earn their place in orchards and kitchens alike.

Beyond their good looks, Cortlands offer a tender, juicy bite with a balanced flavor that leans gently sweet with a hint of tartness. They hold their shape beautifully when baked, making them a reliable choice for pies, crisps, and tarts. At the same time, they're just as enjoyable eaten fresh – crisp enough for snacking, yet not overly firm.

Cortlands are the kind of apple that quietly does it all. They're practical without sacrificing flavor, and beautiful without being delicate. Whether you're baking something special, packing lunches, or simply slicing one for an afternoon snack, the Cortland proves that sometimes the most dependable apples are the ones that have been around the longest.

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 – so you can feel good about every crisp bite.

Celebrate 285 Years with Apple of the Week

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

• $2.85 for 2 lbs. of Cortland apples ($1.43/lbs.)
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kids Pack or 10 lb. bags of Cortland apples (mix and match–equal or lesser value)

Each week, we're featuring a different apple variety along with special pricing, giving you a chance to explore new favorites or stock up on trusted classics.

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (February 24 - March 2) to enjoy our Cortland apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of farming in Middlefield, CT. 

Update: What We Were Able to Accomplish Together

We want to take a moment to share just how much impact our community helped create, and how meaningful it has been to partner with The Salvation Army on this effort.

Most people know The Salvation Army for their iconic holiday programs, from bell ringers at Christmas to their Angel Tree toy distributions, but they do so much more year-round. In addition to seasonal support, they are one of the most active disaster-response organizations in the world, providing emergency food, clean water, shelter, hygiene supplies, and emotional support to families and communities affected by storms and other crises. Their teams were on the ground responding to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, delivering life-saving aid and helping communities begin to recover.

Thanks to your support:

• $1,492.38 was raised through our in-store round up campaign to go towards The Salvation Army's Hurricane Relief Efforts
• $1,021.76 was donated through our online fundraising campaign to go towards The Salvation Army's Hurricane Relief Efforts
• And we contributed an additional $10,000 directly to the Jamaican farm workers who are part of our orchard team each season

Together, that's $12,514.14 given to support relief efforts and the hardworking individuals who mean so much to our farm family.

Your generosity, whether rounding up at the register, donating online, or spreading the word, truly made a difference. We are proud to stand alongside our community in supporting Jamaica's recovery and caring for those who care for our orchards year after year.

Thank you for helping us give back.

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.

There are some things that never go out of style, cozy sweaters, crisp autumn afternoons, and the unmistakable flavor of a freshly picked McIntosh apple. At Lyman Orchards, McIntosh apples have long been a guest favorite, known for their bright red color, snow-white flesh, and perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor.

This week, McIntosh apples are stepping into the spotlight as our Apple of the Week, giving guests the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of the orchard's most beloved and versatile apple varieties.

A Flavor That Stands the Test of Time

McIntosh apples are cherished for their tender texture and juicy bite. They're slightly softer than some other apple varieties, making them incredibly satisfying to each fresh. That refreshing burst of sweet and tart flavor is what keeps apple lovers coming back year after year.

If McIntosh apples had a personality, they'd be the friendly classic that works well with everyone, dependable, versatile, and always welcome in the kitchen. You could say they mastered multitasking long before it became a buzzword.

The Ultimate All-Purpose Apple

One of the biggest reasons McIntosh apples remain a staple at Lyman Orchards is their incredible flexibility. They shine in nearly every apple-loving scenario, including:

• Fresh Eating: Juicy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced for snacking straight from the orchard or market
• Baking: McIntosh apples soften beautifully, making them a favorite for cakes, crisps, and cobblers
• Pies: Their natural tartness blends wonderfully with sugar and spice, creating that nostalgic apple pie flavor
• Applesauce: McIntosh apples are famous for cooking down into smooth, flavorful applesauce with minimal effort
• Salads: Their bright flavor adds a refreshing pop to fall salads and grain bowls
• Cooking: They pair wonderfully with savory dishes like pork, chicken, and roasted vegetables
• Freezing: McIntosh apples freeze well when prepped for baking or sauce, letting you enjoy orchard flavor long after harvest season ends

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 - so you can feel good about every crisp bite.

Celebrate 285 Years with Apple of the Week

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

• $2.85 for 2 lbs. of McIntosh apples ($1.43/lbs.)
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kid's Pack of 10 lb. bags of McIntosh apples (mix and match-equal or lesser value)

A Star in Classic Fall Recipes

When it comes to iconic recipes featuring McIntosh apples, it's hard to beat Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp. As it bakes, the apples soften into a warm, cinnamon-spiced filling while a buttery oat topping adds the perfect crunch. It's a comforting dessert that has been a fall favorite for generations throughout New England.

McIntosh apples are also a top choice for homemade applesauce because they naturally cook down to a smooth, flavorful consistency without requiring extensive processing.

Celebrate Apple of the Week at Lyman Orchards

Each week, we're featuring a different apple variety along with special pricing, giving you a chance to explore new favorites or stock up on trusted classics.

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (February 18 - February 124) to enjoy our McIntosh apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of farming in Middlefield, CT.