Apple Picking In Chester: Riamede Farm To Open For 2022 Season

CHESTER, NJ —Apple picking season is one of the best parts of late summer and early fall, and Riamede Farm is opening its fields to the public as we approach the peak of apple picking season.

On Aug. 25, Riamede Farm, a 68-acre apple farm located at 122 Oakdale Road, will open for the 48th season.

The apple season will kick off with early varieties including Gala, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Mollie Delicious and Zestar, Riamede Farm owner Ashley O'Keefe said.

According to farm manager James Bourgeois, visiting Riamede during harvest should not be a one-time event.

“Not many people realize that each apple variety has its own ripening time. We grow over 35 kinds, from heirlooms to modern favorites. Our late summer apples kick off the harvest, which goes all the way through late fall with varieties that store exceptionally well over the winter. You could visit us weekly and have a different picking and flavor experience each time,” Bourgeois said.

The farm will hold its first annual "Apples and Artisans" celebration on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to commemorate the start of the harvest season and celebrate local creators.

Charcuterie boards made from Riamede's own 70-year-old apple wood, honey, small-batch ice cream, and seasonal bouquets will be on display and available for purchase.

“Working collaboratively with other local businesses and artisans is something that is very important to the team at Riamede. This farm started the pick-your-own experience in our area as a way to educate and engage with the public, and we’re excited to extend that into our own local community,” O'Keefe said.

Riamede’s Apples & Artisans event will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is free during the event, but attendees are asked to RSVP by reserving their tickets. Additional details can be found at www.RiamedeFarm.com.

Confirmed vendors include:

• Bloom & Bramble: Flowers with Local Roots (Chester, NJ)
• Christina G. Clayworks (Glen Gardner, NJ)
• Das Creamery (Budd Lake, NJ)
• Jersey Barnfire (Sparta, NJ)
• Kilhaney's Pickles (Hackettstown, NJ)
• Market&Home (Chester, NJ)
• The WoodenStone (Washington, NJ)

During apple season, Riamede's farm market is packed with specialty items such as local honey, sauces, small batch ice cream, locally grown flowers, and even charcuterie boards made from Riamede's own apple wood.

“We make an effort to stock our farm market with local products. Farms used to be integral parts of communities. By working with other local creators and businesses, we’re supporting our community and getting great products in front of our customers who may not have found them otherwise,” O'Keefe said.

Riamede Farm was New Jersey's first pick-your-own apple orchard, opening its gates to the public in 1974. Half of its orchards still nurture large old seedling apple trees planted over a half-century ago, giving Riamede a distinct atmosphere.

Aside from apples, visitors can also pick tomatoes, fall vegetables, sunflowers, and pumpkins right off the vine.