To most, this time of year is Fall … to us it is Apple Season.
For a few weeks, on the northern foothills of Mt. Hood, between the end of September and early November, you can find roadside stands offering tree-ripened fruit.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards is in Parkdale, which is twenty minutes from Hood River, or two hours from Bend, depending where you start your journey. For us, the reason to travel to the highest reaches of the Hood River fruit orchards … is Kiyokawa.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better variety of tree fruit in one spot. There is literally a maze of apples and pears. JQ does her research and builds a list. In years past these excursions ended with bags of un-identified fruit, so now, armed with a list, we are more focused.
Apples and pears for picnic boxes are only part of the haul.
There will be a batch of apple butter and slices for gallettes and pies added to the freezer.
Crabapple jelly is on the list of new projects this fall.
YUM! It’s so fun to have access to different varieties and not just big supermarket bins!