The Ultimate Guide to Apple Picking
It’s apple season in Lancaster County, and we’re ready for all things apple – from pie to cider! Today, we’re sharing tips for picking the best bushel this season, where to go for pick-your-own despite this year’s late freeze, and a recipe for homemade apple sauce!
How to Pick the Best Apples, According to Farmers
Nothing beats a sweet, juicy, local apple, but how do you pick the best ones? According to farmers, there are a few ways to ensure you’re picking the best bushel.
If you’re picking out apples at the market, firmness, color, and smell are three of the most important things to check. Avoid apples that are mushy or bruised, unless you plan to make applesauce. While color isn’t the most reliable way to check an apple, it can still help. Apples with full color have absorbed lots of sunlight, which results in strong flavor. For example, for red varietal apples, look for the green background to be covered mostly by red or pink-orange hues. Finally, smell the apple. While some apple varieties have stronger smells than others, all fresh apples should have a pleasant scent.
One of the most fun fall activities is apple-picking, and it’s also a great way to pick the best apples! Here are the top tips for picking apples straight from the tree:
- Stick to apples furthest from the base of the trunk. Apples on the outer layer of a tree ripen first.
- Keep the stem on the apple when you pick it. This will help the fruit last longer.
- Choose trees whose apples have begun to fall on the ground. This is a sign that the other apples are ready to pick and are at their sweetest.
- Avoid apples you find on the ground. However, if your apple falls while you’re picking, it’s still good for eating!
- Check the sunny side of the tree. Apples that have been exposed to the sun longer are often sweeter than those growing in the shade.
No matter where you’re getting your apples, avoid apples with cuts, bruises, or a pale appearance. Plus, give your apple a tap. If it sounds hollow, that means it’s likely past its prime. Not sure what type of apples you want to pick? Click here for Soergel Orchards’ Apple Chart!
Where to Go to Pick-Your-Own
While many orchards are foregoing pick-your-own this season due to April’s unfortunate freeze, you can still support local farms this month by grabbing your apples from local stands and markets! To learn more about the freeze has impacted our orchards, click here. To view a list of preserved farms and markets to support this fall, click here. Still looking to pick-your-own? Check out the orchards below!
Mt. Airy Orchards
Mt. Airy Orchards is located at 522 E Mt Airy Rd, Dillsburg, PA 17019. Despite this year’s freeze, Mt. Airy is offering U-Pick apples and pumpkins Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Click here to learn more!
Brecknock Orchards
Visit Brecknock Orchards at 390 Orchard Rd, Mohnton, PA 19540 every day but Sunday. They’re open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Pick your own apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, and more at their orchards! Click here for regular Facebook updates from Brecknock.
Kauffman Orchards
Because of this year’s freeze, Kauffman Orchards will offer pick-your-own apples on October 3rd and October 25th! Your ticket includes 30 minutes of apple picking and free hay rides on the farm! Click here to learn more.
The Best Homemade Applesauce | The Pioneer Woman
Now that you’ve picked your perfect local apples, let’s make applesauce!
Ingredients
6 lb. apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 slices
1 cup apple juice or apple cider
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. cinnamon, more or less to taste
Optional ingredients: Nutmeg, maple syrup, allspice, butter, to taste
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
- Carefully puree in a food processor or blender (don’t fill too full; split into two portions if needed) until smooth. Store in the fridge and serve by itself, over pork chops, over ice cream, over pancakes… or any place where applesauce is needed!
Whether you’re picking apples straight from the tree or picking up a bushel from a local market, apple season is a great time to support local farm families and make fall memories with friends and family! Buying local means healthier produce, a boosted local economy, and delicious flavors!
References:
https://www.allrecipes.com/how-to-pick-the-sweetest-apples-12064679
https://www.facebook.com/brecknockorchard