There's something special about summertime in Connecticut. Fields are bursting with color, orchards are filling with ripening fruit, and farm stands are overflowing with fresh-picked produce. At Lyman Orchards, we believe there's no better way to enjoy the season than by choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables.

When you shop local, you're not only bringing home produce that's fresher and more flavorful, you're also supporting Connecticut farmers, strengthening your local economy, and helping preserve farmland for future generations.

Fresh from Connecticut Farms

At Lyman Orchards, we're proud to grow many of our own fruits right here in Middlefield, along with offering fresh pick your own experiences. Throughout the growing season, we also partner with fellow Connecticut farms that share our commitment to quality and freshness. Many of our local vegetables come from trusted Connecticut growers, including Anderson Farm, Fair Weather Growers, and Dzen Farm. By working together with neighboring farms, we're able to offer our customers an incredible variety of fresh, locally grown produce while supporting agriculture across the state.

Why Local Produce Tastes Better

One of the biggest advantages of buying local is freshness.

Unlike produce that travels hundreds or even thousands of miles before reaching grocery store shelves, locally grown fruits and vegetables are often harvested just days, or even hours, before they're available for purchase. That means they can be picked at peak ripeness, resulting in better flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Whether it's biting into a juicy peach, enjoying sweet-picked corn, or adding crisp lettuce to a salad, you can truly taste the difference.

Supporting Connecticut Agriculture

Every purchase of locally grown produce helps Connecticut farms continue doing what they do best.

Choosing local helps:

• Support family-owned farms and local businesses
• Preserve Connecticut farmland and open space
• Reduce transportation distances and environmental impact
• Keep food dollars circulating within the local community
• Strengthen the state's agricultural economy

When you shop local, you're investing in the farmers who work hard every day to provide fresh food for our communities.

Enjoy What's In Season

One of the best parts of shopping locally is discovering what's fresh each week. Seasonal produce isn't just at its peak flavor, it often offers the best value, too.

Visit Us for the Freshest Flavors of Summer

Whether you're stopping by for homegrown fruit, locally grown vegetables, fresh bakery treats, or simply looking to enjoy the best flavors Connecticut has to offer, our Apple Barrel Farm Market is stocked with the season's freshest harvest.

Every visit is an opportunity to support local farmers, enjoy produce at its peak, and bring home ingredients your family will love. We invite you to stop in often throughout the season, our selection changes weekly as new crops are harvested, ensuring there's always something fresh waiting for you!

Grab a bag of a fresh snack - Kids Pack Apples are $2 OFF!

Nothing beats the taste of a crisp, juicy apple picked fresh from the orchard. This week, stock up on our convenient Kids Pack Apples, the perfect grab-and-go snack for picnics, beach days, road trips, hiking adventures, or simply enjoying at home.

From Wednesday, July 8th - Tuesday, July 14th, save $2 on every Kids Pack! Each half-peck bag is filled with Eco-Certified apples grown with care in our orchards, giving you fresh flavor you can feel good about.

Find Your Favorite!

• Empire - Crisp with a sweet-tart flavor
• EverCrisp - Extra crunchy, juicy, and naturally sweet
• Fuji - Exceptionally sweet and one of our crunchiest apples
• Jonagold - A perfect balance of sweet and tart
• Macoun - Aromatic, juicy, and bursting with flavor
• Pink Lady - Crisp with a refreshing tangy-sweet finish
• Red Delicious - Mildly sweet with the classic apple flavor everyone knows

Whether you have one favorite or love trying them all, there's never been a better time to fill your fruit bowl with orchard-fresh apples. Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market, pick up a Kids Pack, and enjoy $2 OFF while the promotion lasts!

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.

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (July 8 - July 14) to enjoy our apple deals. 

Nothing says summer in America quite like fresh apples, backyard baking, and a warm slice of homemade pie shared with family and friends. This week at Lyman Orchards, we're making it even easier to bring that tradition home.

From Wednesday, July 1st through Tuesday, July 6th, enjoy $2.50 off all 10 lb bakers grade bags of apples.

Apples, Pie Blocks, and American Tradition

There's something timeless about apple pie, it's woven into the story of American kitchens, from family holidays to summer cookouts. Pair your apples with our own pie blocks for a simple, no-fuss baking experience. Pie blocks available in the freezer at the Apple Barrel.

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.

Easy Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6-8 cups sliced apples (mix sweet + tart varieties for best flavor)
• 2 pie blocks (top + bottom crust)
• 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste_
• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• Egg wash (1 egg + splash of water)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425ºF.
• Peel, core, and slice apples evenly.
• Toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
• Line a pie dish with one pie block and press gently into place.
• Fill with apple mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.
• Cover with second pie block, crimp edges, and cut small vents on top.
• Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
• Bake 45–55 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
• Cool at least 1 hour before slicing (if you can wait that long).

Celebrate America 250 Years with Apple of the Week

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, we're celebrating 10 lb Bakers Grade apples with this limited-time offer:

• $2.50 off any 10 lb. bag of apples (any variety!)

Stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market this week (July 1 - July 7) to enjoy our apple deals and help us celebrate 250 years of America. 

Empire apples are a crisp, flavorful variety that combines the best traits of McIntosh and Red Delicious apples. They have a bright red skin with a juicy, firm interior and a balanced sweet-tart flavor that makes them easy to enjoy fresh.

They're especially popular for snacking because they hold their crunch well, but they also work great in salads, baking, and cheese boards. Their texture helps them stay firm when cooked, making them a reliable choice for pies and crisps.

Empire apples are also a great storage apple, keep them refrigerated and they'll stay fresh and crisp for weeks.

Empire apple are a dependable, versatile favorite that work well in just about any setting, from lunchboxes to fall baking.

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 Empire apples ($1.43/lbs.)
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kids Pack or 10 lb. bags of Empire 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 (June 24 - June 30) to enjoy our Empire apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of farming in Middlefield, CT. 

Black plums are a seasonal favorite known for their deep purple skin, juicy texture, and perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor. While they're delicious eaten fresh, black plums also offer a variety of nutritional benefits and can be used in everything from breakfast bowls to savory dinners and baked desserts. Whether you're picking them up for a quick snack or looking for new recipe inspiration, this guide covers everything you need to know about enjoying black plums.

What are Black Plums?

Black plums are a variety of stone fruit with smooth, dark purple to almost black skin and soft, golden to reddish flesh inside. They're typically:

• Juicy and naturally sweet with a light tart finish
• Smaller and rounder than many other plum varieties
• Best enjoyed when fully ripe for peak flavor

Their versatility makes them an easy addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Natural Benefits of Black Plums

Black plums aren't just flavorful, they're also packed with beneficial nutrients that make them a smart choice for everyday snacking.

Rich in antioxidants

The deep purple skin of black plums contains anthocyanin, a type of antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports overall wellness.

Good source of fiber

Plums naturally contain dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps promote fullness between meals.

Naturally low in calories

Black plums are a naturally sweet fruit with no added sugar, making them a satisfying option for a light snack or healthier dessert choice.

Contains essential vitamins

They provide vitamin C for immune support, vitamin K for bone health, and small amounts of potassium for heart health and hydration balance.

How to Enjoy Black Plums Beyond Snacking

While black plums are perfect eaten fresh, they're also incredibly versatile in recipes. Their sweet-tart flavor works well across a wide range of dishes.

Breakfast ideas

Start your day with a burst of flavor:

• Slice into yogurt or overnight oats
• Blend into smoothies for natural sweetness
• Pair with granola and honey for an easy parfait

Baking & desserts

Black plums shine when baked, as their natural sugars caramelize and deepen in flavor:

• Plum crisps and crumbles
• Rustic galettes
• Upside-down cakes
• Muffins and quick breads

Savory dishes

Plums add a bright, fruity contrast to savory meals:

• Toss into salads with arugula and goat cheese
• Roast alongside chicken or pork
• Use in chutneys or glazes for grilled meats
• Add to grain bowls for extra sweetness and colo

Sauces, spreads & preserves

If you have extra plums, they're easy to transform into something new:

• Simmer into a simple compote for pancakes or ice cream
• Cook down into jam or preserves
• Blend into sauces for desserts or yogurt
• Create a fruit topping for waffles or French toast

Refreshing drinks & summer ideas

Black plums also work beautifully in beverages:

• Infuse water with sliced plums and herbs
• Muddle into iced tea or lemonade
• Blend into fruit smoothies for natural sweetness

How to Pick and Store Black Plums

To get the best flavor, choosing and storing plums properly makes a big difference.

To pick ripe plums:

• Look for deep, even color
• Gently press, ripe plums should give slightly
• Avoid fruit with bruising or overly soft spots

To store:

• Keep unripe plums at room temperature to soften
• Refrigerate once ripe to extend freshness
• Bring back to room temperature before eating for best flavor

Why Black Plums Belong in Your Kitchen

Black plums are one of those fruits that strike the perfect balance between simple and versatile. They're easy to enjoy on their own, but also evaluate both everyday meals and seasonal recipes. With their natural sweetness, nutritional benefits, and wide range of uses, they're a great way to add variety to your fruit routine.

Whether you're grabbing a few for snacking, baking them into a dessert, or adding them to a savory dish, black plums are a small fruit with big flavor.

Not all apples are created equal, and if you've ever taken a bite of a Granny Smith, you know exactly what sets it apart.

That first crisp crunch followed by a bright, tangy kick isn't just refreshing, it's what makes Granny Smith apples one of the most unique and versatile apples you'll find. While many apples lean into sweetness, Granny Smith is all about balance.

And that balance is where the magic happens.

Tartness in apples comes from higher acidity levels, and Granny Smith happens to be one of the most well-known varieties for it. But instead of being overpowering, that tart flavor actually enhances everything around it. It sharpens flavors, cuts through richness, and keeps dishes from feeling too heavy or too sweet.

That’s why Granny Smith apples have become a go-to in the kitchen.

In baking, they’re often the secret behind desserts that don’t feel overly sugary. Think about a classic apple pie or crisp—the sweetness from sugar and toppings needs something to keep it in check. Granny Smith steps in to do exactly that, holding its shape while adding that signature tang that keeps every bite interesting.

But their role doesn’t stop at dessert.

Granny Smith apples shine just as brightly in fresh, savory dishes. Their crisp texture and tart flavor bring contrast and crunch to salads, especially when paired with ingredients like sharp cheeses, toasted nuts, or a light vinaigrette. They can add a refreshing bite to sandwiches, balance out richer proteins like pork, or even be diced into slaws for an extra layer of flavor.

It’s that ability to play both sides—sweet and savory—that makes them such a staple.

And then there’s snacking.

For those who don’t love overly sweet apples, Granny Smith offers something completely different. It’s clean, crisp, and refreshing—an apple that feels just as satisfying on a warm afternoon as it does alongside a cozy fall dessert.

If you’re looking for a simple way to experience that balance at home, this is an easy favorite:

Granny Smith Apple & Cheddar Salad

Slice fresh Granny Smith apples and toss them with crisp greens, sharp cheddar cheese, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with a light apple cider vinaigrette and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s simple, fresh, and a perfect example of how tart and savory can come together beautifully.

At the end of the day, Granny Smith apples remind us that flavor isn’t just about sweetness—it’s about contrast, balance, and finding that perfect middle ground.

And sometimes, a little tartness is exactly what makes something unforgettable.

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 Granny Smith apples with these limited-time offers:

• $2.85 for 2 lbs. of Granny Smith apples ($1.43/lbs.)
• Buy One, Get One FREE on Kids Pack or 10 lb. bags of Granny Smith 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 (June 17 - June 23) to enjoy our Granny Smith apple deals and help us celebrate 285 years of farming in Middlefield, CT.