Tasting the autumn harvest in and around Montréal

Autumn is arguably one of the most gorgeous seasons in Québec. Not only are the stunning colours of the fall foliage beautiful to look at, but they also are donned by the fresh produce in our farmer’s markets around the city. If you’ve ever taken a stroll through Marché Jean Talon or Atwater Market at this time of year, you’ve seen the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables enticing shoppers.

If you’re looking for a fun family activity that celebrates the fall harvest, there are a few places you need to check out.

Apples have long been associated with autumn, whether this means apple picking, or cooking with apples, these seasonal fruits are a mainstay in everyone’s pantry at this time of year.

Head over to Le Verger Labonté on Île Perrot for some choice apple picking and family fun. With over 2,000 trees, the orchard offers 16 varieties of apples: here’s a chart of when each kind is in season (http://vergerlabonte.com/en/products-of-our-harvest/apple-varieties/). From picking your own apples to pumpkins to squash, Le Veger Labonté provides a unique farm experience, no to mention a bistro (with a menu featuring produce grown on the property) and a giant corn maze!

La Ferme Quinn is another popular spot for locals. Located on Île Perrot, it’s only 20 minutes by car from downtown Montréal, great for those looking for a country experience but don’t want to stray too far from home. La Ferme Quinn offers a variety of seasonal “Pick Your Own” crops such as various berries, apples, pumpkins, squash, and even Christmas trees. Check out their crop calendar to see what’s pickin’ all year round.

Another must is the acclaimed Michel Jodoin winery specializing in apple cider. Take a guided tour of their sprawling 3-kilometre property over mountain trails that take you to a scenic lookout to enjoy the view of the orchard and fall colours of the Eastern Townships.

Be sure to visit Vinaigrerie Gingras as well. This family-run business operates on land that has been used for four generations! One of the largest producers of apple cider vinegar, Vinaigrerie Gingras proudly boasts the largest apple cider vinegar cellar in the world.

Chef and Owner of the wildly popular Dinette Triple Crown, Colin Perry (who is also a contributor to “Montréal Cooks – A Tasting Menu from the City’s Leading Chefs,” a cookbook that launched October 5) has given us an awesome apple-centric recipe to include with your holiday meals this year.

Apple Mostarda

200 g light brown sugar

200 ml apple cider vinegar

5 g kosher salt

500 g peeled diced Russet apples

30 g English mustard powder

30 g yellow mustard seeds

5 g finely chopped fresh rosemary

1. Bring sugar, vinegar and salt to a boil in a non-reactive pot. Add apples and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook gently until the apples are just cooked through and translucent. Strain apples into a bowl, reserving the syrup.
2. Bring syrup back to a boil, and add mustard seeds and powder. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, and adding water if the mixture gets too thick.
3. Add the rosemary and cook for an additional minute. Pour the syrup over the apples, stirring to evenly combine – you are looking for a thickened syrup to coat the apples with.
4. Allow the mixture to cool, and then transfer to a clean, sterilized container.
5. Serve with roasted meats (especially pork), charcuterie, or cheese.