Malta Development Blog

Family Time at the Orchard

11/5/15 9:00 AM / by Malta Development Malta Development

There’s an undeniable crispness in the air that tells you when Autumn is in full swing. It’s harvest time- the perfect opportunity to bundle the family in their sweaters and enjoy the Malta Ridge Orchard.

Every Autumn, families in Saratoga County swarm in droves to the Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens for some wholesome family fun. Open year round, their farm offers a selection of naturally-grown vegetables, fruits and more. The cider donuts made with freshly-pressed cider are a fan favorite. Owned by David Bowman, Malta Ridge provides families and couples with the unique experience of picking their own fruit and reveling in a bucolic atmosphere.
 

Malta Orchard's History

 
Bowman grew up in an apple orchard and eventually bought one with his wife, Robin. Needing to diversify their products, they began specializing in other types of fruits and vegetables. Now, families enjoy the luxury of picking strawberries, plums, peaches, and blueberries during the warm months and apples and pears during Fall and Winter. With so many tasty fruits to choose from, naturally Malta Ridge entered the pie and baked goods business. For the sake of sustainability, scraps also serve as feed for their chickens and farm animals.
 

U-Pick for the Environment

 
Picking fruit from a local farm is good for you AND the environment. The Malta Ridge Orchards only carries organic produce. Commercial grocery stores often "beautify" their fruit with dyes linked to adverse health effects. For example, fruit distributors dip 2 billion oranges in Citrus Red 2 annually. This passes FDA approval because the dye only colors the orange's skin, but consumers sometimes use the skin to make zest. Not only that but naturally picked fruit contain more nutrients than produce that require storing and shipping. Buying from your local orchard reduces the amount of resources needed in the production process. Petroleum use stays low and so does air pollution.
 

Tips and Tricks

 
Before you head out to your local orchard, though, make sure to prepare. Bring any snacks, hand towels and water to hydrate depending on the weather. Bring smaller containers for children and larger ones for adults. Also, you're not going out on the town so bring comfortable shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. An orchard visit usually extends for the entire day, making it perfect for the family or romantic picnics. The idyllic environment of Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens elicits tranquility. Bring a camera to document the day.

 

A Wholesome Experience

 
Every season is pick-your-own-fruit season. Bring your entire family to the Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens for a wholesome and educational time. You won't break the bank and your kids will hands-on experience in community bonding and healthy eating. When you get home, turn those fresh pickings into homemade jams, sauces, pies or drinks. The Malta Ridge Orchard also offers free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, and fresh milk in glass bottles. Take a break from the fast-paced, technology-driven world for a second to settle down and enjoy a timeless and memorable experience at the Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens.
 
Location: 107 Van Aernem Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
 
Open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Topics: family, In The Community, Malta, orchard

Malta Development

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