Apple picking is favorite autumn activity
When September arrives, the air turns cool, the leaves begin to change, and many are itching to don their flannel plaids and participate in a quintessential autumn activity. The perfect solution? Apple picking. This traditional pastime is just the thing to get you in the festive spirit. So grab your boots and a sturdy basket it’s time for your apple adventure. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.
The first step is to find a pick your own orchard nearby. The apple varieties available for picking, as well as the peak time for apple ripeness, will depend on where you live. But for the most part, September to early October is prime picking season.
Get the kids off their phones and get them into the crisp autumn air with an apple-picking excursion. Start an annual tradition that the whole family can look forward to every year. Plus, many orchards provide additional activities like hay rides, cider pressing, a gift shop, or sometimes even a small petting zoo!
For apples that are ready to eat—pick from the outside of the tree. Apples on the outer branches ripen first, so work your way in as the season progresses. Remember, once you pick an apple it stops the ripening process so for yummy apples, make sure they’re ready to be picked.
To properly pick an apple, roll the apple upward off the branch and give a little twist. You’ll know the apple is ripe if the stem is easily removed from the spur of the branch. Don’t pull the apple straight away from the tree, and never, ever shake the branches. Why? Even a gentle shake can cause a heap of apples to fall to the ground. Without a net, this can give the fruit major bruises, plus it can cause unnecessary food waste.
Be sure to store and stow your apples with care. Gently place them in your carrying container to avoid bruising. Bruised apples rot faster, and will cause the other apples to rot as well.
When you bring your bounty home, store your apples correctly to extend their shelf life as long as possible. For apples that will be eaten right away, you can keep them in a bowl on the counter for a few days. Otherwise, store them in the refrigerator, preferably in their own crisper drawer. Apples produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that causes other fruits to ripen faster. So it’s best to keep them separate.
Apple picking is a great way to bring your family together and get everyone out in the fresh air this season. If you haven’t tried it already, I’m sure you’ll love participating in this fall tradition.