{"id":42769,"date":"2023-08-15T20:38:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T00:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthygreenkitchen.com\/?p=42769"},"modified":"2024-07-19T12:35:06","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T16:35:06","slug":"apple-picking-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthygreenkitchen.com\/apple-picking-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Picking Season 2024: The Essential Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Apple picking season is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to a great one this year! Here, we\u2019ll tell you when the season starts based on your region and the varieties you’re hunting, and share some of our top apple-picking tips and recipes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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After a challenging 2023 apple picking season in the Northeast U.S., where a late May frost devastated crops and dashed the hopes of many orchard owners, 2024 is shaping up to be a much better year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massachusetts-based The Berkshire Eagle<\/em>, reported in May<\/a> that the 2024 season was off to a much better start, avoiding the late frost that devastated orchards across the Northeast last year. One orchardist even described the blooming season as “absolutely spectacular,” possibly because the trees had last year off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year’s strong bloom and favorable conditions mean that apple lovers can look forward to a robust and plentiful harvest. Read on to learn how to get the most out of the 2024 apple picking season!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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When Is Apple Picking Season?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In general, apple picking season runs from the beginning of September<\/a> through the end of October<\/a>, but it’s highly influenced by the local climate and the species of trees grown in the orchard.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Apple Picking Season by Region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While we associate apple picking season with fall, it is really the spring weather in the region that determines when apples ripen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short, warm springs, like those in the southern states, see apple trees producing blossoms much earlier in the year than trees up north. This headstart means apples in The South will be ready to pick before their northern cousins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apples in cold regions tend to ripen later in the year. The season also tends to be shorter since the first frost will claim any apples left on the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you can start your apple-picking adventure, you need to figure out when your local apples will be ripe. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Here is a quick reference guide showing the timing of apple season by region, according to local orchards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Region<\/strong><\/td>Apple Picking Season<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
South<\/td>Last week of August through the end of October.<\/td><\/tr>
Northeast<\/td>Last week of August through the first week of November<\/td><\/tr>
Midwest<\/td>Early September through the end of October<\/td><\/tr>
Southwest<\/td>August through early October<\/td><\/tr>
Northwest<\/td>September through mid-October<\/td><\/tr>
West Coast<\/td>August through late November<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Apple Picking Season by Variety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The type of apple trees in the orchard will also determine when the fruit will be ready to pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earligold apples, for instance, take around 80 days to ripen. Meanwhile, Granny Smith\u2019s can take as long as 180 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of differences in maturity rate, Earligold apples are available to pick in the late summer while Granny Smith\u2019s won\u2019t be ripe until well into fall.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Here is a general guide to when some of the most popular apple varieties are likely to be ripe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple Variety<\/strong><\/td>Season<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Braeburn <\/td>October<\/td><\/tr>
Earligold<\/td>July-August<\/td><\/tr>
Empire<\/td>August-September<\/td><\/tr>
Fuji<\/td>October<\/td><\/tr>
Gala <\/td>August-September<\/td><\/tr>
Ginger Gold<\/td>August-September<\/td><\/tr>
Golden Delicious<\/td>September<\/td><\/tr>
Granny Smith<\/td>October<\/td><\/tr>
Honeycrisp<\/td>September<\/td><\/tr>
Jonathan<\/td>September<\/td><\/tr>
Liberty<\/td>October<\/td><\/tr>
Mcintosh<\/td>September<\/td><\/tr>
Mutsu<\/td>September-October<\/td><\/tr>
Ozark Gold<\/td>August<\/td><\/tr>
Pink Lady<\/td>October<\/td><\/tr>
Red Delicious<\/td>September<\/td><\/tr>
Zester<\/td>July-August<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Growing a variety of different types of apples helps orchards extend their U-pick seasons. But what they can grow is restricted by the length of their seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local climate and the year\u2019s weather patterns can also influence when an apple tree will start bearing ripe fruit. It\u2019s always a good idea to call your local orchard to find out what apple tree varieties they have and when they’ll be ripe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Pick Your Own Apples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you know when apples are going to ripe and ready for the pickin\u2019 in your region, it\u2019s time to prepare for what’s sure to be a fun and memorable family outing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is everything you need to know to pick your own apples, whether you\u2019re going to a local orchard or hunting down some wild treasures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Find the Local Spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the exception of Hawaii and Florida, every state has at least one apple orchard that allows you to pick your own apples in the fall. These farms typically offer a range of seasonal festivities to help you make the most of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hay rides, hot cider, and petting zoos are all common attractions at orchards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to have multiple orchards within driving distance, call around to see what apple varieties are available where. One of the best parts of picking your own apples is exploring lesser-known options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in California<\/a>, for instance, you may be lucky enough to try the rare Pink Pearl apple if you search hard enough. If you live in Maine<\/a>, it\u2019s worth tracking down the state\u2019s very own gorgeously gothic Black Oxford apple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who don\u2019t live near any orchards open to the community, you may not be out of luck. Wild apple trees grow throughout the United States. In fact, it\u2019s possible to find many common cultivated species growing wild, even in unusual areas like North Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foraging for apples is more of an adventure than a relaxing day at the orchard, but it\u2019s still a great way to celebrate autumn! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Come Prepared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve picked your destination, don\u2019t forget to pack a few essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First up, you want to dress the part. Depending on where you are, that probably means wearing some layers just in case that sunny fall day ends up getting a little chilly. We recommend bringing sweaters, jackets, hats, and gloves, just in case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Closed-toed shoes are also a good idea. Most U-pick orchards are fairly large, which means a lot of walking to find the perfect apple (or twenty). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a great idea to bring a tote or basket to carry your apples. That way you don\u2019t have to waste a single-use bag from the farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Look for Ripe Fruit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019ve researched when your favorite apple type will be ripe and arrive at the orchard at the right time, there’s no guarantee every apple you find will be ready to pick. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To make sure you get to experience the full flavor of these unique apple varieties, you\u2019ll want to follow these steps to find the ripest fruit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Look at the base color.<\/strong> Check out some photos of the different apple varieties you want to pick before leaving home. Once at the orchard, look for plump apples that have matured to that base color on all sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Look for apples on the ground.<\/strong> Once apples on a tree get overripe, they\u2019ll begin to drop to the ground. If you see a few healthy apples on the ground below the tree, that\u2019s a good sign most of the apples left on the branches are ripe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Gently lift up on the apple.<\/strong> Ripe apples will separate from the tree with almost no force. If you gently lift the apple up and back toward the tree, the stem should snap. If it doesn\u2019t, it\u2019s probably not ripe yet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If you do end up with a few slightly unripe apples, don\u2019t fret! These will ripen in just a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Lift, Twist, and Pull<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For the sake of the orchard owners and the other patrons, you want to make sure you pick the apples the right way. This means not tugging on the branches or ripping leaves off along with your fruit.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    As we mentioned above, ripe apples come free from the tree very easily. All you need to do is lift the base of the fruit up and back toward the branch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you find a less ripe fruit, this may not be enough to get it to detach. In this case, do not pull on the apple. Instead, gently twist it until the stem breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Store Extras Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019ve had an especially productive day at the orchard, you\u2019re likely to come home with more apples than you can eat in one day. Storing these extras properly will be key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For apples you plan to eat within a few days, the best place to store them is on the counter. Apples that you want to last a few weeks should be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some apples can last for an impressively long time. Crisp, thick-skinned varieties, often called storage apples, can last six months if kept in a cool, humid cellar. In fact, Braeburn and Goldrush apples are known to readily last over a year when properly stored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Our Favorite Apple Recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you know when and how to pick your own apples, it\u2019s time to talk about what to do with them once you get them home!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Many apples you\u2019ll find at orchards are delicious when eaten fresh. But you\u2019ll also find plenty of great baking and cider apples worth trying as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few of our favorite apple recipes worth trying out on your hand-picked bushel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n