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Places
to Visit
Eastmont Orchards
A
Great Interactive Way to Welcome in the Fall Season
Reviewed by Melissa Minners
Many years ago, a roommate had asked if I had ever gone apple
picking before. At the time I hadn’t and my answer seemed amazing to my
roommate who quickly set up an apple picking weekend. We went to an orchard in
upstate New York and I had a great deal of fun. For some reason, that was the
last time I went apple picking with that particular roommate. Years later, a
friend suggested we go apple and pumpkin picking and I jumped at the chance. We
headed out to a different orchard this time – Eastmont Orchards in New Jersey –
and I had so much fun, I couldn’t wait to go again this year.
Eastmont Orchards, located at Country Road 537 East, Colts Neck, New Jersey has
been owned and operated by the Barclay family since 1923. The very first apple
trees were planted in the orchards in 1911 by another would-be farmer, but with
little experience in the field, the farm was put up for sale. Happily, the
family who had consulted on the planting of the
apple trees in the first place
was able to purchase the farm and make it a success. Back then, the produce was
shipped out to various supermarkets, but now, Easmont Orchards deals directly
with the public, supplying them with an opportunity to pick their own produce
seven days a week from mid-July through to the last weekend in October.
There is a huge variety of
apples to choose from at Eastmont, each
with its own special use. Customers are offered the use of a
wheelbarrow,
plastic bags and a chart to help them identify which sections of the fields will
contain certain types of apples. There are also signs everywhere to help
customers find exactly the apple they are looking for. You can choose from the
following varieties: the hard, semi-tart Paulared for cooking and eating, the
tart and aromatic McIntosh for eating and sauces, the juicy and sweet Red
Delicious for eating and salads, the slightly tart Jonathan for eating, sauces
and baking, the tart, firm and juicy Ida Red for cooking, the sweet and juicy
Golden Delicious for baking, eating and salads, the crisp Red Rome for baking
and eating, the crisp and juicy Stayman Winesap for baking and eating, the
crisp, juicy and slightly tart McCoun for eating and desserts, the sweet and
flavorful Empire for sauces, salads and eating, the hard-fleshed, sweet Yellow
Newton Pippin for cooking and eating, the firm Braeburn for cooking and eating,
the very firm and mellow flavored Arkansas Black for eating and salads, the
sweet and juicy Crispin for eating, sauces and salads, the sweet, juicy and
crisp Fuji for sauces, salads and eating and the crisp and tart Granny Smith for
eating, cooking and salads. With so many varieties to choose from, Eastmont
Orchards is an apple-lover’s dream.
But Eastmont Orchards doesn’t just supply consumers with apples. From July to
early September, the orchard supplies its customers with the opportunity to pick
a wide variety of
peaches such as Sentry, Glohaven, Summer Pearl, Sunglo,
Jerseyglo, Encore and more.
Corn is available throughout the picking season,
but is pre-picked for the safety and convenience of the customer.
Sunflowers,
gourds and
winter squash are available for picking. The orchard also offers the
opportunity for customers to pick from a variety of
pumpkins for all of their
fall needs. From decorating to baking, Eastmont Orchards has the right pumpkin
for you.
There is plenty of parking at the Eastmont Orchards, but it is
usually best to come early so you can be assured a parking spot closer to the
picking areas. You should know that Eastmont Orchards does not accept credit
cards – cash, traveler’s check and personal checks only. I bring cash every
year to avoid any hassles. Prices for your pickings are by the pound and change
from year to year and sometimes midseason, depending on the crop, so you should
call ahead (732-542-5404). You should also call ahead to ensure that picking
times haven’t changed and that the weather has not caused the orchards to be
closed for the day.
Whether you love fresh produce or are just looking for a fun family
experience, Eastmont Orchards is the right place for you. Offering the freshest
produce and the largest variety of items to pick, you are bound to have loads of
fun. It’s even great for the little kids – I’ve seen tons of little munchkins
running around trying to lift pumpkins twice their size while proudly holding
the apples they picked themselves from the trees. It’s a great experience for
the whole family, young and old. So head on over to Eastmont Orchards in Colts
Neck, New Jersey and have yourself a grand old time! But hurry - picking season
ends soon!
For feedback, visit
our
message board or e-mail the author at
talonkarrde@g-pop.net.
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