The 2020 pick-your-own apple season has been anything but typical, and thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, our orchard is nearly picked out. Apple picking will continue until end of day Friday, October 23 with a few late season favourites like Russet, Empire, Idared and Ambrosia still available. Our market will remain open this Saturday and Sunday and visitors are welcome to purchase pre-picked apples, pumpkins, honey and other market goodies. As of Monday, October 26, the farm will be closed for the season.

Thank you to all of our guests (returning and first-timers!) who made it out to the orchard this fall. From all of us at Nature's Bounty, we wish you a safe and healthy winter and hope to see you all back here next September.

It's a time-honoured Thanksgiving tradition for so many families; a visit to a local orchard for apple picking, hot cider and soaking in the vibrant colours of autumn. Even if things are a little different than in the past, we hope to be a part of your Thanksgiving celebrations this year. 

To ensure the safety of all our guests and staff, pre-booking is required for all visits this weekend so that we can keep our guest count low and provide ample space for everyone. If you plan on visiting Nature's Bounty this Thanksgiving, please book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

We will have the largest selection of apple varieties of the season with all but a few available.

• Ambrosia: a rising star and deservingly so! Ambrosia are crisp, sweat and aromatic, and this year's crop is an exceptional one. A premium bag is required for picking.
• Honeycrisp: there are still plenty of Honeycrisp available with more rows opening daily. After Thanksgiving, Honeycrisp will finish their season and only be available pre-picked at the market. A premium bag is required for picking.
• Golden Russet: A timeless favourite, the unique colour and taste of a Russet is sure to stir up memories of visits to grandparents' and old-fashioned orchards. A premium bag is required for picking.
  
• Empire: It's distinctive deep-purple colouring, crisp flesh, and balanced sweet and tart flavour are why we love Empire! One of the best fresh eating apples of the season. Also available pre-picked at the market.
  
• Cortland: One of the best cooking apples of the season, our Cortland trees were quickly picked out, however, we have ample stock of pre-picked apples available at the market.
  
• Golden Delicious: Looking for a sweet, yellow apple? The Golden Delicious are deserving of their name this season. Bursting with sweet juices and delivering a satisfying crunch, they are best enjoyed fresh but also cellar quite well.
  
• Northern Spy: As the saying goes, "Spies for Pies!" Arguably the best baking apple of the season, this firm tart apple comes alive when baked in pies and crisps. Just in time for your Thanksgiving baking, we also have half-bushels of Spies available at the market.
  
• Salish: How often do you get to try a NEW apple? Well, now is your chance! Our recently planted row of Salish has its first full crop and they are a welcome addition. Salish have a mild sweetness and firm texture which holds up over time. Cellar this apples and enjoy for months to come!
  

Also picking this weekend, we have Spartan, Mutsu, Crimson Crisp, Gala, Red Delicious, Jonagold and Macoun available while supplies last.

The cool fall weather has really set in now and the maple trees ablaze with bright hues of orange, red and yellow. You will certainly enjoy your drive through the countryside this weekend. As our early season apples finish up, our visitors will now enjoy a wide array of choices in the orchard. Late September and early October see the maturation of nearly ten varieties, with more still to come, just in time for Thanksgiving. 

• Honeycrisp: now at their peak, Honeycrisp are still picking. This premium apple gushes with juice and has a suburb crunch. The prefect balance of sweet and just a little tart, the flavour of our Honeycrisp this year is off-the-charts delicious!
• Gala: A perennial favourite and the most widely enjoyed apple in Ontario, we still have plenty of Gala to satisfy your sweet tooth. Firm and juicy, gala are a great snacking apple and are a welcome addition to an apple crisp.
• Cortland: One of the best baking apples of the season, our Cortland supply has been quickly depleted. But fear not! We picked our own stock at their peak and have plenty of fresh, pre-picked Cortland for all of your baking needs. Available in the market.
• Salish: A novel variety and one worthy of note! This is the first year where our Salish trees have produced a full crop. An excellent storage apple, these mild-flavoured apples will stay crispy and fresh for weeks.
• Empire: the best apple for candy-apples! Their smaller size and bold flavour make this deep-red apple one of our favourites of the season.

Other varieties like Crimson Crisp, Macoun, Mutsu, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious are also available this weekend. We will begin picking Ambrosia, Golden Russet and Northern Spy very soon!