Today we visited Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville with Warren Abbott who answered some of their most asked questions.
Apple-ology 101:
Apples come into season in August despite the myth that October is the best season to pick them. We’re past the halfway point of the season on September 29th.
Do not use soap to wash your apples because the apple’s natural wax absorbs the soap. A simple rinse with water and a finished polish with a paper towel are just fine.
There are more than 7,000 varieties of apples in New York State. All taste different and all change in taste based on ripeness.
For baking it is important to know what you want out of the end result. Do you like the end product sweet or tart, firm or soft? How big a flavor? McIntosh pie will be soft while Jonagold pie will be firmer and sweeter than a Cortland pie. Mixing varieties of apples in pies is suggested because it adds body to the overall flavor. Cider Master Kane Lloyd told us that he also mixes apple varieties while making Abbott’s extraordinary Apple Cider.
If you’re making an apple crisp use Gala apples because they are very sweet but stay firm enough for a nice texture.
Abbott Farms is located at 3275 Cold Springs Road in Baldwinsville, NY, zip code 13027.
Fall Store Hours:
Labor Day-Halloween 10 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday
12 pm-6 pm Sunday
Columbus Day (Monday) Fall Festival 10 am-6 pm
November 1-November 24 10 am-6pm Monday-Saturday, Closed Sundays
November 25 (day before Thanksgiving) 10 am-3 pm
Fall Festival is every Saturday and Sunday from Labor Day through Halloween and includes a per-person admission that covers parking, wagon rides, corn maze, super-slide, and face-painting. There is also home cooked food and sweet treats available.
For more information about Abbott farms visit their website here.
