In the land of ‘mega-marts’ we’ve grown accustomed to picking up any type of produce any time of the year. It’s not as convenient, but buying seasonal offerings will support a local farmer and taste better too.
We are in the midst of apple season so you are likely to see a larger selection of apples at the produce counter. That variety can get even bigger if you make an extra effort and go to the orchard. In Oregon that is pretty easy to do..
Some time in late September early October we make the annual trek to Hood River country and do a bit of orchard hopping.
At Kiyokawa Orchards there are warehouse size bins filled with apples and pears. And not just a couple of kinds. At peak season there are 120 varieties of apples and 24 varieties of European and Asian pears. Plus a bunch of different plums.
The hills pushing up from the Columbia River west of Hood River are full of fruit orchards, dotted with yellow and orange fall foliage and a snowcapped Mt. Hood as the back drop.
‘The Fruit Loop’ started in the early 90’s as a way to promote local on-farm sales when a collective of Hood River orchards printed a map to help people find their stands.
We come for the selection at Kiyokawa’s and maybe a quick stop at Pfriem Brewery for a growler of Sesson. Its well worth the drive.
Framable fruit!