Hey Orange, Let’s Talk Apples!
If you live in Orange, you already know—we grow some of the best apples in the country. Whether you’ve picked them straight off the tree, grabbed a bag from a farm stall, or tasted the crunch of a fresh Pink Lady from the markets, there’s nothing quite like an Orange-grown apple.
And we have the perfect conditions to thank for that. Our cool winters give apple trees the chill time they need, while our warm days and crisp nights help them develop the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Throw in rich volcanic soil and generations of passionate growers, and it’s no wonder we’ve built a reputation for top-quality fruit.
So, let’s take a deep dive into the apples grown right here in our backyard and where you can get your hands on the freshest picks.
Orange & Apples: A Perfect Match
Apples and Orange go way back. For over a century, local families have been growing apples across the region, passing down knowledge and fine-tuning their craft. If you’ve ever driven out past Nashdale or Borenore in autumn, you’ve seen the orchards in full swing—rows of trees heavy with fruit, ready to be picked.
Our high-altitude climate means apples here take longer to ripen, developing a richer flavor than those grown in warmer regions. That’s why apples from Orange aren’t just great for snacking—they’re the ones you want in your pies, crumbles, juices, and even ciders.
The view of Mt Canobolas from Thornbrook Orchard, one of the 3 orchards run by Paula and her family from Hillside Harvest. (Photo Credit: Thornbrook Orchard)
The Apple Lineup: What’s Grown Here?
Not all apples are created equal. Some are best eaten fresh, some hold up beautifully in a crumble, and some make the perfect cider. Here’s a look at the local stars of the apple world:
Royal Gala
Sweet, crisp, and a family favorite. Perfect for lunchboxes, fruit salads, and snacking on the go.
Jonathan
A great balance of sweet and tart with plenty of juice. They’re great for eating fresh, but also shine in homemade applesauce.
Golden Delicious
Mild and sweet with a softer texture. These work well in salads, as they don’t brown too quickly after slicing.
Granny Smith
You know this one—the bright green, super-tart apple that’s perfect for baking. If you’re making a classic apple pie, you can’t go wrong with Granny Smiths.
L to R: Jonothans from Martelli Orchards, Granny Smiths and Pink Ladies from Hillside Harvest (Photo Credit: Martelli Orchards & Hillside Harvest)
Red Delicious
Mild, sweet, and best eaten fresh. If you like a softer apple, this one’s for you.
Bonza
A lesser-known variety but a local favorite. Sweet, juicy, and great for fresh eating or juicing.
Pink Lady
The queen of apples! A crisp bite with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Great for snacking, baking, or even slicing into a cheese platter.
Fuji
One of the sweetest apples out there. Dense, crunchy, and excellent for fresh eating or juicing.
Early Gold
A softer apple with mild sweetness—great for cooking, stewing, or eating fresh.
Keeping the Local Apple Industry Strong
Apple farming is a huge part of Orange’s local economy. It keeps family-run orchards in business, provides jobs, and brings in visitors who want a taste of our region’s best produce. Events like Orange F.O.O.D Week celebrate this history and help showcase just how much our local growers put into their fruit.
But here’s the thing—keeping this industry thriving means supporting local whenever we can. That means choosing Orange-grown apples over supermarket imports, buying direct from local farmers, and making sure the apples we eat come from the orchards just down the road.
Mario (left) and Dom (right) from Martelli Orchards (Photo Credit: Martelli Orchards)
Where to Buy the Best Apples in Orange
If you want the freshest local apples without the hassle, YourMarket has you covered. We work directly with local growers to bring the best seasonal produce straight to you. No middlemen, no weeks in cold storage—just fresh, local apples grown right here in Orange.
Some of the best apples in the region come from Martelli Orchards and Hillside Harvest, and you’ll find their fruit at YourMarket. Whether you’re after a crisp Pink Lady, a juicy Fuji, or a baking-perfect Granny Smith, you know you’re getting top-quality apples straight from the farm.
Plus, if you want to make a day of it, Hillside Harvest offers pick-your-own experiences when apples are in season—it’s a fun way to stock up while enjoying the orchard.
How to Enjoy Local Apples Like a Pro
We all know apples are great for snacking, but there are so many ways to enjoy them:
- Baking: Granny Smiths and Pink Ladies make the best pies and crumbles.
- Juicing & cider: Fuji and Jonathan apples are packed with juice and perfect for cider-making.
- Salads: Thin slices of Golden Delicious add sweetness and crunch to fresh salads.
- Preserves & sauces: Early Gold apples cook down beautifully into jams and chutneys.
- Cheese pairings: Pink Lady apples go brilliantly with a good local cheddar.
Let’s Keep It Local
There’s something special about eating food grown close to home. The apples from Orange aren’t just delicious—they represent generations of hardworking farmers, a thriving local economy, and a commitment to fresh, high-quality produce.
So next time you’re shopping for apples, skip the mass-produced ones and go for local. Whether you’re grabbing a bag from YourMarket, picking up a box from Martelli Orchards, or heading out to Hillside Harvest for a day in the orchard, you’re not just getting better apples—you’re supporting the farmers who make Orange one of Australia’s best apple-growing regions.
Now, who’s hungry for a fresh, crunchy apple? 🍏🍎
https://yourmarket.net.au/search?q=apples&options%5Bprefix%5D=last