Pick your fill: Maine’s apple crop is looking great

Maine’s apple season is in full swing, with growers reporting an unusually large crop and a harvest that may stretch into November

In September, the apple orchards that pepper Maine’s landscape are buzzing. With roughly 50 orchards and 100 varieties available across the state, apple‑pickers are encouraged to get out early in the season—especially as some growers say this year’s crop could keep the harvest window open until the end of October, or even into November if temperatures stay above freezing.

“Trees produced an abundance of bloom this spring, and pollination conditions were good in most places,” said Renae Moran, a University of Maine fruit‑tree specialist and member of the Maine State Pomological Society executive board. “A larger crop may delay the start of ripening by several days and extend the harvest window.”

Moran cautioned that the summer’s dry spell may affect bud formation next year, though the final impact is still uncertain. Her top picks for the year, none of which are native to Maine, are Ginger Gold, SnowSweet and Macoun.

Wallingford’s Fruit House – Auburn

Peter Ricker, owner of Wallingford’s Fruit House at 1240 Perkins Ridge Road, said the orchard’s success was largely a matter of “Mother Nature.” “She just worked well with us this year,” Ricker explained. “The trees had a rest last year because of last year’s horrific crop, so they had the resources and reserve to handle a big bloom.” Ricker highlighted the reliability of Honeycrisp, McIntosh and Cortland, calling the latter “one of our workhorses.” He recommends tasting an apple before picking a large haul, noting that flavors can shift week by week.

McDougal’s Orchard – Springvale

Ellen McAdam, owner of McDougal’s Orchard in Springvale, described the crop as “amazing” despite limited rainfall. “The color is amazing and the size is good,” she said, adding that many visitors are “happy with it.” McAdam’s favorites are the crisp, sweet Macoun and the large Northern Spy, perfect for pies. She also favors Zestar apples, an earlier cousin of the Honeycrisp. “Just be prepared for an absolutely wonderful, beautiful experience out in the orchard,” she advised, encouraging visitors to “drink it in and pick the apples.”

Hazel Hill Orchard – Turner & Wayne

Tony Leavitt runs Hazel Hill Orchard, which operates pick‑your‑own sites in Turner and Wayne and uses an honor‑system kiosk for payments. He called this year’s crop his “biggest crop ever.” Leavitt praised Honeycrisp but said his personal favorite is the older Cortland, prized for its sweet flavor and cooking qualities. Leavitt also sells apple butter and applesauce made with McIntosh and Cortland, varieties he feels are “the best," even if they’re not as popular now. He encourages families to sample apples straight from the tree, noting that the taste can change within a half hour.

Libby’s U‑Pick Fruits – Limerick

Allison and Brian Skoczenski, who took over Libby’s U‑Pick Fruits last fall, say the crop is “excellent.” Their most popular varieties include Honeycrisp and Macoun, with others such as Empire, Jonagold and Ginger Gold. Allison’s favorite is Empire for its crispness. She reminds pickers to twist the apple so the stem stays on and to take their time walking through the rows and looking up at the trees. “Pruning is an art,” she explained, “and all winter long orchardists are out pruning. I think pickers can really see the love and time that goes into it.”

Tips for a Successful Pick

• Know the season. Each orchard usually posts when a variety will be ready, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Taste before you take. Apple flavor can change week by week, and an apple that tastes great today may not be the same next week.
• Enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned picker or a first‑timer, the orchards offer a scenic, family‑friendly outing. As Ellen McAdam puts it, “You just kind of drink it in and pick the apples.”

With a robust crop this year, Maine’s apple orchards are a welcome destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re after the classic Honeycrisp, the tart Ginger Gold, or the sweet Macoun, the state’s orchards promise a bounty that could keep the season alive well into the fall.