Apple picking is a fun activity for families, friends and schools. It is a great outdoor outing while enjoying the crisp, fresh autumn weather. There's something to be said about biting into a juicy apple just picked from the tree with its sweet or tart taste and crunch.
Montreal Apple Orchards
Apple picking season in Montreal, Quebec (mid-August to late October) is as popular as the maple syrup season in spring. The apples are ready for the picking at the apple orchards (vergers in French) located about an hour's drive from Montreal. Two well known and popular apple orchards are located in Rougement and Mont. St-Hillaire. Most apple orchards will charge a fixed amount for each bag of apples. Some apple orchards offer tours and sell apple baked goods and products such as apple butter jams and apple cider.
Apple Varieties
The types of apples grown may differ from one apple orchard to another, but the following are popular varieties that are grown at most orchards: Vista Bella, Jersey Mac, Paula Red, Summer Granny, Lobo, McIntosh, Cortland, Royal Gala, Fuji, Spartan, Empire, Ida Red, Delicious, Spy, and Golden Russet.
Apple Ice Wine and Cider
Quebec is known for its apple ice wine and apple cider. Tours and tastings for apple ice wine are available at wineries (vignobles) and at cidreries for apple cider.
The Apple Train - Pommes-en-Train
An alternative to driving to the apple orchards is to take the Apple Train which leaves on specified dates from the Montreal downtown train station during the apple picking season. It's a 'bring your own lunch' excursion and the price of the ticket includes a 5 pound of apples.
How to Store Fresh Apples
To maintain apples fresh and long lasting, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
Apple Maple Pecan Loaf Recipe
Yields: 2 5x9 inch loaf cakes
Ingredients:
- 8 large baking apples (McIntosh, Cortland or other baking variety)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3/4 vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup pure orange juice
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons. baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- icing sugar for dusting top of loaves
How to make the Apple Maple Pecan Loaf
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray the 2 9x15-inch loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
- Peel, core and coarsely chop the apples.
- The chopped apples should yield approximately 4 cups.
- Place chopped apples into large bowl and add the lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir to coat apples.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, vegetable oil, orange juice, and eggs until well combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt together.
- Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and chopped pecans..
- Divide batter between the two prepared loaf pans.
- Place loaf pans in the center of the middle oven rack..
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
- Let cool.
- Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.
Additional Apple Recipes
Apple Cobbler Recipe with Fresh Apples
Apple Cider Cocktails for Fall
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