Early November and most of my favourite seasonal markets have closed up shop-except for Indian Garden Farm in Hebbville, NS. One of the most scenic drives anytime of year but especially in the fall, this family owned greenhouse and market have been operating since 1856….yes…you read correctly…1856! Amazing!

The cranberry bog exists today as Canada’s oldest in operation. So if you want to buy local, especially cranberries, this is the place to go. While you’re there you may as well also get some apples, pears, etc…which is exactly what I did this week. I bought pears, some of the lovely Honeycrisp apples, Golden Delicious apples, cranberries and a huge 20 lb bag of Gravenstein “seconds”, specifically to make applesauce-all for under $25.00.

photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography


photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography

I have a house full of teenagers, and their friends are often here as well, there is always a bowl full of apples on my counter. In the fall, when we can easily get seconds, there is often applesauce-another family favourite. I plan to do a price analysis on the actual cost of the applesauce so you can see how affordable it is to purchase and use local produce.

photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography

The recipe I use for Homemade Applesauce is very simple. I always double/triple it.

Homemade Applesauce

4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for twenty minutes.
3. With immersion blender, blend applesauce until smooth.
Serve warm or cold.

photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography

Still lots of time to stop in and pick up some fresh, local produce and with a little work be able to enjoy it into the long winter months.