Canned apple sauce with cinnamon sticks and a basket of apples.

It’s Apple Season in Maine!

October 10, 2024 Food Preservation, Spoonful

— By Jess Roberts, UMaine Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer

Autumn is upon us! Maine’s fair schedule was saturated with activities from June through October. Many fairs highlighted the annual display of Maine apples. The Common Ground Country Fair presented a lineup of the hundreds of apple cultivars growing in the state courtesy of the fair’s Maine Heritage Orchard. The world recognizes thousands of apple cultivars and more than 300 varieties are grown statewide. In addition to the usual apples found in supermarkets, a handful of local apple orchards offer varieties ranging up to 50 plus or more. It’s prime season for local Maine apples. They are at peak quality so pick up a peck or two for enjoying and preserving!

The Maine Pomological Society is a great resource to find further details on local orchards, discover different apple varieties along with an overall better understanding of their history. Visit an orchard and speak to staff about the best varieties for various uses whether you plan to bake, store or preserve. It is critical to utilize recipes that are research-based such as those generated by universities, Cooperative Extensions, Ball, Pomona’s Universal Pectin, the National Center for Home Food Preservation, and other approved sources.

The internet is a tool, however if not used wisely it can provide access to damaging or inaccurate content. While crafty and classy food blogs may compete for your attention, avoid using their recipes, if they don’t all follow research-based home food preservation guidance. There are many evidence-based, food safety fact bulletins from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension publications. Better yet, sign up for one of the fall hands-on preserving classes, offered around the state (or you can request a workshop in your area if you don’t see one near you). The hope is to explore and execute with excellence by choosing recipes wisely and having fun preserving all those great Maine apples!

No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

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