Peak apple?

With seven varieties appearing for the first time this year, and only four retirements (and the return of Wickson), the score at farmers market this week rose to twenty-five different kinds of apples. (Photo: 

An embarrassment of riches at the Belmont, Massachusetts, farmers market earlier today.) 

The local markets are just the tip of the apple. As of this writing, Volante Farms, a Needham farm stand, is reporting 23 varieties, including 11 not at farmers market.

Shelburne Farms, an orchard in Stow, reports a staggering 38 kinds of apples, some in the store, some on the trees for picking, some both. (Note that things sell out.)

It probably does not get much better than this.

Meanwhile, at farmers market,  every vendor this week had at least one apple that no one else did.

The sun shines on the apples at Lexington's market last Tuesday.

The week's tally includes the apples at Lexington's (Massachusetts) farmers market, too. Varieties making their annual debuts are in italics below:

• Ambrosia
• Blushing Golden
• Brock
• Cortland
• Empire
• Gala
• Ginger Gold
• Golden Delicious
• Golden Russet
• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Jonagold
• Liberty
• Macoun
• McIntosh
• Melrouge
• Mutsu (Crispin)
• Northern Spy
• Pink Lady
• Red Delicious
• Spartan
• Westfield Seek-No-Further
• Wickson

This list omits the single variety unique to Lexington's market:

• Mollie's Delicious

though Mollie has probably been for sale for at least a few weeks.

For my part, I got some of these today:

My once-a-year chance to get some Westfields.

Word to the wise

Dare to enter the heart of the harvest.

Every day is apple day at Adam's Apples, but this is October, and the holiday weekend is ahead.

In addition to fruit and fall colors, many orchards offer donuts, cider, corn mazes, music, and other delights.

If you'd rather avoid the crowds, pick a no-frills place like Autumn Hills, which has awesome views and, currently, a choice of fifteen varieties.

Scott Farm, in Vermont, has its Heirloom Apple Day this Sunday, featuring talks by apple sleuth and expert John Bunker. You'll likely find similar attractions at an orchard near you.

My list of orchards and markets is hardly comprehensive, but might be a place to start if you'd like some inspiration.

I'm Adam and I approve this message.