Apple Orchard Excursion

This year I tried apple picking. It was tiring wheeling around 50 lbs of goods in a full metal barrow. I’m certain that while I slept that night, I was developing some serious muscle fibers. That thought alone made the pain more bearable. Either that or I nearly blacked out and didn’t feel anything. Besides from the huge apple haul I also got a few good pictures that inspired my orchard themed clay painting.

The picture of inspiration came as a pleasant surprise. I never would’ve thought an apple orchard would have such a picturesque moment until a bored friend strolled along the forbidden route (because there’s actually a sign that says, “Do Not Enter”). And I was there to capture the, incriminating, moment.

I went with a couple friends that’s my mother’s age and mom as well. They, who grew up in more difficult circumstances, have this frenzy about food, especially “fresh” fruits. The picking and education course ensued:

“These apples are best when they are uniformly golden in color. You see the red ones? Those are too ripe and the water content has depleted. Dry, and not good. Lime green, sort of turning yellow, too sour. Make YOU water.” She said as she’s turning the apples in her hands showing me what she’s talking about.

“Do you know how to judge and pick the biggest apples on every tree?”

“Um, no, but they all look pretty big to me.”

“Yes, they’re all good but you want THE BEST. What you do is stand back, a little further back, and look at a section at a time. Now, do you see which ones are uniformly yellow and big?”

“Yes! I do!”

I could feel the excitement that bubbles from deep within her soul. It’s very refreshing for someone to have such appreciation for simple pleasures.

(Jagged thought) And I also see my mom climbing up a tree….

We brought a little spread that we enjoyed with some good association at the orchard’s picnic area. All in all a very good time.

So, what did we do with all those apples??

Dad’s the family’s official fruit gobbler. He took care of most of it.

But 50lbs is a looooot of fruit. I had plans to contribute!

First and foremost, a Chinese 药膳 （yaoshan), easy on the stomach lining, good for the spleen, and helps rehydrate your body. I’m not talking about drink some water and you’ll be rehydrated situation. I’m talking if you’re chugging a liter of water and still feel thirsty.

Apples and Red Date Soup (Yes, the name says it all.)

1 Apple

3-4 dried red dates, pitted

2 oz dried red wolf berries (for an extra boost of antioxidants, substitute with black wolf berries.)

1 pt water

Steam until ingredients are very soft and smush-able. And Enjoy!

Or if you’re lazy like me, add a little more water and boil everything until soft and smush-able and eat it like that. Let’s be real, most people are like me. Right??

To help reduce waste and give us more time to devour the apples we picked some that’s less ripe. Stored separately. I was in the mood for some spiced apple toddy and planned to make it for the family the following week. Well, I don’t know where all the apples went…. When I asked, mom and dad gave this sheepish grin and hint of a questionable glint in their eyes. Hm…