Apple picking is an activity that is very popular in the fall. Planning an apple-picking trip may make you wonder about the best time. Is there a specific month when it's best to visit the orchard? Or is it more about the variety of apples you want to pick?
Let's look at what you should know about the apple-picking trip. This guide includes information on planning the trip and when to go.
Psst: In the fall, we will also tell you how to choose the ripest apples and the best places to pick apples in Washington, D.C..
Do you remember going apple picking too early? You got tart apples.
Or did you go too late? Then you found mushy, overripe apples.
Both times, you were disappointed. Going at the right time is essential to get good apples!
Apple picking is something you must do for fun. Picking apples with family and friends can be an enjoyable experience.
Different types of apples ripen at other times. Knowing this helps you pick the best apples. Before going, ask yourself these questions:
Would you like a crisp Honeycrisp apple, a tart Granny Smitm or any other variety?
II. When would you prefer to visit the farm?
You can eat fresh, crunchy apples depending on the answers to these two questions.
The ideal time for apple picking is….
September!
This is the best time of year to enjoy all those apple varieties you've been craving. Apple trees are harvested and picked during September, and early apple types like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Golden Delicious bloom this month.
The largest orchard in the U.S., in Washington D.C., sees a rush of tourists to orchards during this season.
Apple picking season usually starts in late August and ends in mid-November. Different apple types mature at different times during the apple-picking season. For example, some varieties are ready earlier than others.
Early Gold and Ginger Gold are apples ready at the end of August. Mid-season apples like McIntosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp are prepared from early to mid-September. Late-season apples like Fuji and Cripps Pink are mostly ripe in late October and early November.
The best time to pick apples depends on the type. Many apple varieties are ripe in September, and the weather is excellent.
How can you tell when an apple is ready to pick?
The right time is one of many factors. The most critical visual signs are:
1. The branch has a stem and a slight twist.
2. The apple should feel slightly soft when squeezed.
3. The skin colour changes, especially for non-green types, as it turns green to amber.
4. The seeds change from white to brown, showing the ripe fruit.
September is an excellent time for apples. Many popular apple varieties turn red during this season. The following varieties ripen and become full-sized in September:
1. Honeycrisp is a medium-sized apple which has both sweetness and tartness.
2. McIntosh apples are juicy and have a bit of zest.
3. Golden Delicious is a mild apple. It has a sweet taste. You can use it for baking or eating raw.
4. Gala apples are sweet and refreshing. They are great for snacking.
5. Empire apples are a mix of McIntosh and Red Delicious. They have a sweet and tart taste.
Washington is one of the top apple-producing states in the U.S. It's a fantasy land for apple picking. The Seattle area and farmlands have many kinds of apples. You can also go apple picking in local orchards during the fall.
Now, are you looking for the best orchard to visit?
Here are some of the top places in Washington for apple picking:
Bellewood Farms in Lynden has over 20 apple varieties at this large orchard. The best time to visit is in September, when the most popular apples, Honeycrisp and Jonagold, are ready to be picked and tasted.
This farm in Sedro-Woolley grows common apple types and unique, wild apples, including rare apples like the Cox's Orange Pippin. Apple picking starts on August 1st, and the best apples are available in September.
The Farm at Swan's Trail is in Snohomish. It's a nice place for families to visit. People can pick their apples and pumpkins. There are fun fall activities like a corn maze and a petting zoo.
Located far from the city, Lattin's is famous for its fresh apple cider and fall events. You can pick your apples starting in early September. It's the perfect place to enjoy Washington's apple season.
If you want to visit the orchard, follow these tips to have a fun apple-picking trip:
1. Visit the orchard's website or call them. They can tell you which apples are available.
2. The farms offer apple picking only on specific dates.
3. Bring a hat or gloves in October and November.
4. The orchards may have containers, but it's safer to bring your own just in case.
5. The apples on the same tree can ripen at different times.
6. Many orchards charge by the weight of the apples you collect.
After a successful day of apple picking, you may have many apples!
Here are five good ways of storing apples and keeping them fresh for as long as possible:
1. Clean the apples. Wash them with cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Dry the apples. Use a clean towel to pat the apples dry entirely.
3. Sort the apples. Separate the apples into different groups based on ripeness, size, or any bruises or damage
4. Store the apples. Store the apples in a cool, dark place, like a cellar or pantry. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause them to lose flavour.
5. Check the apples regularly. Look for any apples starting to spoil and remove them to prevent the others from going rancid.
By following these steps, you can help your freshly picked apples last for several weeks or even months, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labour for much longer.
Absolutely! Some apples work better for specific uses. Some can be eaten raw, while others become soft when baked and are excellent for cider.
The best apples for snacking are Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji. Granny Smith, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious are good for baking. These apples stay delicious even when cooked. The best apples for cider are McIntosh, Cortland, and Empire. These apples balance sweetness and acidity, making them ideal for cider.
September brings cooler temperatures and ripe apples. Packed orchards have many apple types, from rare to common. This is an excellent way to spend time outside. Fall festivals also start in September, so your apple-picking trip can be fun.
Apple picking is a fun family tradition in the fall. It's not just about getting apples. It's about spending time together, enjoying the outdoors, and celebrating the season. Whether you've done it for years or are new, Washington's orchards are the perfect place for a heartwarming experience.
The best time to pick Honeycrisp apples is late August or early September. These apples are famous for their firm texture and great taste. However, customers also like other apple types during the harvest season.
Sure, some apples, like Fuji and Cripps Pink, are still being picked up in November, but there may be fewer options than in early autumn.
Bringing the right gear is a good idea. Pack comfortable shoes, layers for unpredictable weather, reusable bags or baskets, and even a camera. You can also find out if the orchard lets you bring your food and drinks.