Make a Fun Day of Apple Picking With the Whole Family

Apple picking is one of the most perfect fall activities, and is one that the whole family will enjoy. Not only is apple picking a fun thing to do on a day out, it provides you with the freshest apples for cooking, baking and snacking. Apple picking is fun in spring, summer and fall, but a trip to the orchard is most fun in the autumn season when the colors are changing, the weather is crisp and the apples are just ripe for picking. Apple picking isn’t just for families either. It can be a great out of the box date destination allowing you to spend some time with your significant other. Another factor people sometimes forget is that you’re getting the freshest possible apples. The taste of a freshly picked apple is something to be experienced. 

Ideal Types of Apples for Picking

The type of apples available for picking will depend on your location and the time of year that you take your trip. If you are in states like New York, where apple orchards are plentiful, there will be a wide variety of apples to choose from. It pays to call ahead to find out what varieties of apples your local orchard grows.

The best pie apples are less sweet than those we eat raw, and when we add all of the sugars and butters, make a mouthwatering dessert. They are also hearty enough to withstand the heat of baking without getting soft and mushy. If you are picking apples to make pies, stick to:

• Granny Smith
• Golden Delicious
• Cortland
• Empire
• Jonathan

Making apple cider is a favorite fall activity, and you can enjoy it chilled or warmed. You can also use cider to make apple cider donuts, another favorite fall treat. Cider combines bitter, sweet and sharp flavors for the perfect drink, so it's vital to find the right apples for your recipe. To make the best apple cider, go for the following varieties:

• Honeycrisp
• Fuji
• McIntosh
• Cortland
• Winesap

There is nothing better than biting into a crisp, juicy, ripe apple, especially one picked straight from the tree. There are some varieties of apples that are best for raw snacking, and those will deliver a satisfying experience every time.

• Fuji
• Gala
• Braeburn
• Golden Delicious
• McIntosh
• Empire
• Gala
• Honeycrisp

The best apples for applesauce making are soft ones. These apples are easy to cut and mash and cook faster than harder apples. Applesauce is a favorite fall treat, and you can store it for months at a time.

Where Can You Pick Apples?

You can go apple picking in most areas of the country in rural areas where farms are abundant. Some states, however, are known for their production of apples, and in these states, you can find endless orchards that are open for a day of apple picking. While the majority of apple orchards are in the Northeast states like New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, you can find apple picking locations all over the country.

Making a Day of It

You can enjoy a full day out on your apple picking excursion, making a day of it with your family. Many orchards are kid and pet friendly, so bring the whole family along for a fun day of apple picking. Pack a picnic or plan to buy food while you're there. In addition to apple picking, some orchards have corn mazes, tractor hay rides, petting zoos and pumpkin picking. You can visit the orchard store and enjoy fresh baked goods like apple cider donuts, pies and cakes. Get a refreshing drink of cider or enjoy a hot cup of coffee with your favorite pastry. Don't forget to buy a jar of fresh pressed applesauce to take home.

During your trip, pick a bushel or two of apples for all of your cooking and baking needs. Most orchards charge by the pound, so load up and get a great deal on the freshest fruit available. While most apple orchards are open year round, they are most popular in the fall, so be sure to check to see if you need to buy tickets in advance.

Apple picking can provide delicious fruit and a fun day out for the whole family. Whether you are visiting to find the best apples for your next pie, or you simply want to spend the day enjoying the fall air, there is no better way to do so than with a trip to the apple orchard.