Tips for Apple Picking with Your Family

Fall is here, and what better way to savor the season than with a delightful day of apple picking? Not only does this activity provide families with a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time together, but it also offers the opportunity to bring home a delicious bounty of fresh apples.

Here's a guide to make your apple-picking adventure fruitful and fun.

Best Practices for Apple Picking

1. Choose the Right Orchard Start by selecting a family-friendly orchard. Some farms offer more than just apple picking, with hayrides, petting zoos, and corn mazes adding to the experience.

2. Arrive Early Popular orchards can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures you'll have the pick of the crop!

3. Dress Appropriately Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and remember the orchard grounds can be uneven. Layered clothing is wise, as autumn weather can be unpredictable.

4. Pick the Right Apple When picking, opt for apples that are firm to the touch. Avoid those with bruises or holes. A good apple will come off the tree easily, so if you have to tug hard, it’s probably not ripe.

5. Use the "Twist and Lift" Technique Instead of pulling the apple downwards, twist it up and around. This method ensures that you won't damage the apple or the tree.

6. Don’t Over-Pick While it's tempting to bring home a mountain of apples, remember they do have a shelf life. Only pick what you can consume or store.

What to Do with Your Apple Bounty

Once you're home with your haul, the fun (and flavor) truly begins. Here are some scrumptious ideas:

1. Fresh Snacking Rinse and enjoy them raw! Apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C, making them a nutritious snack.

2. Bake an Apple Pie or Crisp Classic and always a hit, apple pie is the quintessential fall dessert. If you're short on time, an apple crisp is quicker and equally delicious.

3. Make Apple Sauce Homemade apple sauce is a treat, and it's simpler to make than you might think. Plus, it’s a great way to use up a large number of apples.

4. Try Apple Butter This concentrated, caramelized form of apple sauce is perfect on toast, muffins, or stirred into oatmeal.

5. Preserve for Later If you've picked more than you can eat quickly, consider making apple jams, jellies, or even apple cider vinegar.

6. Freeze Them Slice and core your apples, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags. They’re perfect for smoothies or baking later in the year.

7. Gift Your Neighbors Share the joy (and the fruits) of your labor with friends, neighbors, or coworkers. A bag of fresh-picked apples is a heartfelt and healthy gift.

So, this fall, put on your favorite cozy sweater, gather your loved ones and head out to your nearest orchard for a delightful day of apple picking. Happy picking!