Amherst Cider Donuts: Orchards, Farm Stores and Fall Pies

Amherst cider donuts are cake donuts made with reduced apple cider and rolled in cinnamon sugar, best eaten warm. In September and October, the farms, orchards and farm stores around Amherst turn their cider presses on, and different apple varieties ripen at different times. A farm store on West Street appears in reader and tourism lists; check its fall hours first.

The smell of frying dough drifts across the parking lots. Here is how Pioneer Valley apple picking works and what to do with the harvest, so next autumn's trip starts with a plan.

What are Amherst cider donuts?

A cider donut is a cake donut made with reduced apple cider, which gives it a tang and a tender crumb. It is fried, then rolled in cinnamon sugar. Unlike a glazed yeast donut, it is dense, slightly crisp outside and moist inside.

The best are made the same day and eaten warm. A cold one from yesterday is a poor imitation. Ask when the next batch comes out, and wait for it if you can.

Where do you find the best Amherst cider donuts?

Atkins Farms Country Market on West Street in Amherst appears in a Boston.com reader poll of the best cider donuts in the state, on an apple association's page and among Massachusetts tourism suggestions. The farm store says on its own pages that it makes its donuts with its own cider and cinnamon sugar. Check its pages for fall hours and whether donuts are available the day you plan to visit.

Other orchards in the valley also press cider and make donuts, and the state tourism office lists several. The seasons vary, so check before you drive.

How does Pioneer Valley apple picking work?

Pioneer Valley apple picking is a pay-by-the-bag affair. You arrive at an orchard that is open for pick-your-own, buy a bag or a box, walk the rows and pick what you like. Varieties ripen at different times, from early McIntosh in September to late Fuji and Granny Smith in October.

Wear closed shoes, bring water and plan for a couple of hours. Children love it. Pick from the lower branches, twist the apple gently and don't shake the tree. The New England fall food guide puts the experience in the larger picture.

What is Amherst orchard food besides donuts?

Amherst orchard food includes fresh cider, apple pies, apple crisp, cider vinegar, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup and sometimes pumpkins and squash. Farm stores sell sandwiches, soups and baked goods, and some serve a lunch.

Taste before you buy. Cider is best fresh and cold, and varies by blend. Ask which apples go into it.

Where are Amherst fall farm stands?

Amherst fall farm stands appear along rural roads and in farm store lots in autumn. They sell apples, pumpkins, squash, cabbage, potatoes, flowers and sometimes cider and baked goods. Some work on an honor system, with a box for payment.

Carry cash and small bills. Drive slowly, since the roads can be narrow and busy on a fall weekend.

What about Amherst pies?

Amherst pies in fall mean apple, of course, but also pumpkin, pecan and squash. Farm stores and bakeries sell whole pies and slices, and many take orders for Thanksgiving. Order early, as the best sell out by the week before the holiday.

A good apple pie has a flaky crust, a filling that holds its shape and a balance of sweet and tart. Serve warm with a slice of sharp cheddar, a New England habit.

Can you rate a donut by the cinnamon sugar?

Donuts is a tag in the US cuisine list, and Bakery and Farm Producer are kinds of place with badges. Rate the farm store, name the donut and say how warm it was when you ate it. Rate five different farm producers and you reach Sampler. Bring a bag of apples home and make an apple crisp: slice six apples, toss with sugar and cinnamon, top with oats, flour, butter and brown sugar, and bake until bubbling.

What should you wear and plan for a farm visit?

Farm lots are muddy in October, so wear boots or shoes you can wash. Bring a layer, a bag for apples and cash. Weekends are crowded, so go on a weekday morning if you can, when the donuts are warm and the parking is easy.

Plan the visit around a meal. A farm store lunch, a cider donut for dessert and a walk through the rows makes a full autumn morning. Pack a cooler bag for the drive home if you buy cider or pie, and keep the donuts in a paper bag on the seat beside you, where they will not last.

How can you remember the best?

For the rest of the state, start at the Food in Massachusetts page.

Duplicate your autumn list next year and edit the copy, so the first draft is done. Rate a farm store with stars, name the donut and add a line about the cinnamon sugar, then save the stops to a list for the next October. Invite the friend who drives. The seasonal food calendar and the US guides hub have more. Download the Mosey app.