Go Outside and Touch Grass (or Some Apples)

Photo Credit: Skylar Zilka on Unsplash

October 31, 2022 | Montréal, Québec

I spent the week furiously studying for midterms and preparing my law applications, so I knew I had to at least leave my desk chair over the weekend. Luckily Montréal has a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. There are countless other great options for hiking and walking around. I decided to partake, for the first time, in a classic Montréal tradition: apple picking.

Me and a couple friends woke up (earlier than I honestly would have liked to on a Saturday) and drove about an hour outside downtown to Mont St. Hilaire’s Petit et Fils Verger et Ciderie. Since it was pretty late in the season, there were less apples to be picked, but we had a great time riding on hay bales in the back of the tractor to reach the trees and an even better time climbing the ladders to find the good apples. While rural Quebecers are probably laughing at me right now, us city girls loved everything about the orchard, from taking endless photos to meeting the goats, ducks, and chickens. By the time we finished, it was lunch and the orchard was finally starting to get busy. We packed our apples in the car, picked up some coffee, sandwiches, and pastries and headed to Beloeil to eat by the Richelieu River. 

I can’t recommend taking the time to get outside and enjoy a day trip with friends enough. Being away from my desk, my work, and my apartment helped me truly relax. It was a really nice day too; I was able to enjoy some late fall sunshine and fresh air without thinking about midterms or my to-do list. I also got the chance to talk with friends, catching up each other on our lives and how we’ve been feeling. Sharing is always a great way for me to destress and connect with others. 

“I can’t recommend taking the time to get outside and enjoy a day trip with friends enough. Being away from my desk, my work, and my apartment helped me truly relax.”

Photo Credit: Chloe Merritt

Of course, the best part about a day spent apple picking is the apples. You’ve taken the pictures and walked until your feet are sore and now you get to enjoy delicious Québec apples (and maybe some cider if you chose a good orchard). In my opinion, the perfect apple is super crisp (never mealy) with a balance between tart and sweet. Alas, I know that I will never be able to eat all of them before they go bad, and I am actually also excited to cook with the remaining apples. Earlier this fall, I made an apple pie with a crumble topping and it was incredible - guaranteed to satisfy both the apple crumble and apple pie camps. In the mornings, I love replicating the same flavors by topping my oatmeal with some sauteed apple slices, cinnamon, and maple syrup. With my haul, I’m looking to try my hand at some more elaborate apple desserts, maybe something like these adorable apple hand pies. If you’re not into sweets, I also add apples to my Japanese curry for the perfect comforting fall dinner after a day spent outside. It may be odd to hear at first, but it’s a clever trick from the wisdom of Japanese moms. Grating apples into the sauce adds sweetness and tartness that balances the rich curry. Curry on rice is also the perfect comforting fall dinner after a day outside. 

I hope you’ve got some ideas for fun fall activities outside, baking inspiration, or at the very least are enjoying the autumnal vibes this time of year. I’m off to go eat some apples.

Author
Chloe Merritt
Community Liaison Lead