The Core Facts of Apple Picking

With the start of September, many apple orchards across the country are open for pick-your-own. It brings us all back to our childhood, scouting the orchard for that most perfect, prized apple to leap up and pluck. With more than 2,500 varieties to choose from, there’s hardly a better way to spend a fall day. And picking your own fruit from local orchards and gardens has a positive impact on your local economy and on your carbon footprint (less energy spent on processing, packaging, and transportation to your store). To get even more out of the experience, try these tips and clear room in the car ‘cuz you’ll be bringing home bags full of Mother Nature’s perfect snack food.

Plan ahead

Give yourself enough time to arrive, park, collect, and stroll through the rows of trees and rows of people. Just like you, your entire community might be out there making the parking lots a bit tight and some of the trees a bit bare. Also, consider wearing long pants and long sleeves if you are one of those people who like to dive right into the trees for the untouched apples. Be aware that apples ripen first on the outside of the tree. If you are not planning on eating your apples right away, pick from the inside of the tree. And, be sure to bring plenty of cash. It is very easy to pick more apples than you expected to, raising the check-out price. Even so, it is well worth it. You just don’t want to be left holding a barrel of apples when you only have enough to pay for a bag.

Ask Questions

The farmer knows best which apples are ready for picking and which should be left alone to further ripen. Depending on your region and the weather patterns from springtime on, crops might differ from state to state and even orchard to orchard. Most often, the readiness of an apple tree to be picked from depends on a carefully monitored number of days since the tree flowered. If you are concerned, ask how the growers treat the trees and fruit for bugs and pests, as well as what types of fertilizers they use or don’t use. Obviously, organic orchards don’t use any pesticides or chemical fertilizers, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t any bugs or pests on the fruit. Always clean any produce throughly before eating it. And if you don’t know which kinds are best for eating, cooking, or canning, ask the workers. With so many different options, the growers are sure to know better than your Uncle Morty who says you can never go wrong with a Granny Smith.

Be Selective

Expect to resort to some childish grabbing and hoarding amongst all the shiny apples. But remember that its not a contest and the apples are not entirely free for the taking. In fact, the more selective you are, the less waste you end up contributing to. Since most people picking their own simply step over any apple on the ground (regardless of how it got there or the condition its in), be careful picking yours from the tree attempting to not knock down any more around you. And if you do accidentally knock some to the ground, be a good consumer and put those in your bag, too. It’s okay to be weary of apples lying in the dirt, but think of the wasted food you are leaving behind and the loss of income for your local farmer. If it still looks good, pick it up and take it home.

Be Gentle

It’s best to pick an apple with delicate hands. Being gentle prevents other apples from falling off the branch, and it preserves the quality of your pick. Check to be sure the apple is free from bruises, holes, scars, and even bites (you know we all do it out there). The best apples are firm to the touch with a rather smooth skin. Color really has no bearing on taste, so go with your touch more than anything.