According to many of the local apple growers, it is a pretty good season all things considered.

While COVID-19 regulations are keeping some producers from offering the U-pick option, there are plenty of apples still to be had at the various orchards around St. Lawrence County.

The varieties are plentiful. So whether looking for the sweet Honeycrisp or the moderately tart Macintosh visit the nearest or favored grower.

Even the St. Lawrence variety, once very rare, can be found again at a couple of growers: Canton Apples, SH 310 just outside the village, and Brookdale Orchard in Winthrop.

A few of the orchards also offer fresh pressed ciders. Kaneb Orchard in Massena offers sweet cider, cider slushies, as well as award winning hard cider, and for a treat, apple cider donuts.

Canton Apples has a variety of ciders available at their stand, as well as outlets around the area including Nature Storehouse, Main Street, Canton; Jernabi Coffeehouse and the Co-op in Potsdam.

Goodwin’s Orchard, 37 Needham Rd, four miles out of Potsdam, is offering the U-pick option. And also has a full array of pumpkins, gourds and decorative corn.

Parishville Orchards, 702 Rt. 72 in Parshville, also offers the popular Honeycrisp, as well as Cortlands and Macs. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with a U-pick option as well.

Fobare’s Fruits, 180 Johnson Rd., Rensselaer Falls, also has fresh-made cider donuts in their Apple Market, as well as a host of other products.

The market is open for curbside pick up only, and their Applewood Playground is currently closed due to COVID-19. However, they will have U-Pick for apples and pumpkins this season.

Brookdale orchard, 1997 Route 49 in Winthrop, has the U-pick option also. They are open daily 9-5, and offer Honeycrisp, MacIntonsh and Cortlands.

Other farms offering apples according to GardenShare’s website include: 8 O’Clock Ranch 293, Old Canton Rd, DeKalb Jct.;Birdsfoot Farm, 1263 CR 25 in Canton; Bittersweet Farm 1249 NY 184 Heuvelton; Dominique Family Farm, 150 Maple St., Winthrop; Henry Mast 110 Hill Rd, Hermon; Heritage Homestead, 4052 CR 10 DePeyster; Lazy River Farm, 341 LAzy River Rd, Hermon; Martin’s Farmstand 11 Needham Rd, Potsdam; North Country Grown Coop, 178 Fayette Rd, Massena; and Powers Farm, 217 Pyrities-Russell Rd, Hermon;

Before going to the orchard, check to see how the growers are taking payment, some are not accepting credit cards at this time in an effort to minimize contact.

Can’t make it to the orchards, check out the local farmers markets, as many of the orchards also set up and have pre-picked bags that are easy to grab, as well as cider and other fruit and produce.

After, with apples in hand, check out the New York State Application Association webpage at www.applesfromny.com for information on New York State apples, including many great recipes, nutritional information, varieties, and statewide growers.

Or check with the growers themselves to see if they have any tips for favorite recipes to enjoy apples in many different ways.