Her family-run orchard on Marsden Lane has been a hive of activity since apple-picking season began recently.

Yarralee Orchard specialises in two varieties – Granny Smiths and Fujis.

Mrs Gordon said she and husband Tim, along with their sons James and Sam, had been full steam ahead since the fruit ripened. And Bathurst’s warmer than usual autumn had made for some great-tasting apples.

“The lovely warm weather has made them taste beautiful. They were all ripened on the tree,” Mrs Gordon said.

And it doesn’t matter if you are after apples for a pie or slice, or a snack for your lunchbox.

“Grannys are quite popular this time of year because people are making apple pies,” she said. “They’re the best type of apples for an apple pie.”

In huge supply this year are the orchard’s Fuji apples, a variety that originates in Japan.

“The skin colour of Fuji can vary, but it has a predominantly red/dull pink blush over a greeny/yellow base,” Mrs Gordon said.

“Many consider Fuji to be the perfect eating apple ... it’s a big apple with a honey sweet taste.

“It has a high sugar content which makes it good for cooking as it will retain its shape.”

Mrs Gordon praised the Bathurst Farmers’ Markets for helping the community find out about local food producers and orchardists.

“People are sourcing from the producer more now than they used to,” she said.

Yarralee Orchard is open from 10am until 4pm each Saturday and Sunday, with the public welcome to come out and buy fresh from the site.

During the weekdays, Yarralee operates an honesty box from the front of the orchard at 279 Marsden Lane.