Growing up, one of my Godmothers, Ninang Gina, regularly sent us letters with pictures of her experiences in Canada. I particularly had an eye on her apple-picking shot. Those apples just looked succulent and they're within her reach! If you're also from a tropical country, you know that apples do not grow in warm weather. So I'm thrilled when I get to spend a day in Ontario, Canada. I immediately contacted my Ninang Gina and she willfully obliged to tour me around. Here's how it went.
At a Glance
Apple-Picking Experience in Ontario, Canada
It was September then, which marked the start of autumn in Canada - the perfect time to go apple-picking! My Ninang Gina picked me up early in the downtown area to avoid the rush hour. We had a hearty breakfast at Denny's and headed for Downey's Strawberry & Apple Farm.
Downey's Strawberry & Apple Farm
Downey's Strawberry and Apple Farm is a 206 acre farm operated by a 7th generation farmer - Greg Downey. He grows fruits and vegetables, including apples, strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, pumpkin, squash, soybeans, and wheat. The farm has a market that was converted from a dairy farm in the early '90s. This market offers readily picked produce as they ripen and specialty items such as unpasturized honey, fresh-pressed apple cider, candy apples, etc. Strawberries, raspberries and apples are available for picking during their season.
With over 10 apple varieties growing on the farm, I particularly liked the Royal Gala and McIntosh apple varieties. Man! The apples were fresh, juicy, crunchy, and sweet with a bit of tartness. I sampled one or two and reminded myself this was not a buffet! This was apple picking. So I went ahead and picked some and filled the bag that the farm provided.
When to visit
The farm is open daily during fall unless otherwise posted, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The last admission in the field is 5 PM. Apples are generally available in Ontario's orchards from mid-August through October. Each apple variety has its own ripening time. Please see image on the approximate harvest calendar of each apple variety.
Admission and Apple-Picking Fee
No Admission Fees. To harvest apples, a bag will be purchased at 26 CAD for the 10lb bag (max 3 people per bag) and 42 CAD for the 20lb bag (max 5 people per bag). The bags are heavy duty and can be loaded with any apple variety available! A minimum pick of 8.50 CAD per person is required. They accept both cash and debit cards for payment.
How to get there
We went there by car but here are some options to get to Downey's if you do not have a friend or relative to tour you around.
Rent a car
Book a tour
Note: They have another farm named Downey's Apple Farm at Breslau where they have other activities to choose from aside from apple picking. They have a playfield where you could do pumpkin bowling, play gravity wagon basketball, ride a wagon and navigate through a corn maze.
Some things to consider
Let's be mindful and observe these farm rules.
No pets allowed.
Pick your apples for harvest, not for buffet or social gatherings.
Bags, large purses, backpacks and diaper bags are not permitted in the orchard. Please lock them safely in your vehicle. Note: There's a porta-potty available for emergencies and a handwashing station.
What to do with this much apples?
We chose the 10lb bag and since my Ninang lives here with more than an apple a day, she let me have the whole bag. I brought them to the desert (where I stay as an expat), gave some to my friends, and reserved some for my daily apple needs. Here are some tips on how to keep apples fresh longer.
Apples bruise easily so make sure to handle them with care. A damaged apple will have a shorter shelflife than a perfectly good apple.
After picking, chill your apples in the fridge or cold storage as soon as possible. This will retain their flavor and quality and will keep them nice and crisp for about 6 to 8 weeks. They may mature rapidly on warmer environments.
Here are some ideas on what to do with the apples.
Slice them and snack with yogurt dip
Add sliced apples in your salad
Bake apple turn-overs
Bake apple pies
Bake cinnamon and apple bread
Make your own apple sauce
Fry apple fritters
Juice your apples, especially if they were bruised.
After my apple-picking adventure here in Ontario, Canada, my inner child was delighted. Then we headed to the Niagara Falls!
Read more on my Niagara Falls Adventure.
See you on my next blog!
Love it! Those apples we’re delicious! 😋