Insider Tips for Picking the Best Apples on Your Next Trip to the Orchard

And how to truly enjoy this fun fall activity.

Fall isn’t complete without a trip to the orchard to find a large batch of fresh and delicious apples . Unfortunately, not all orchard-goers leave the grounds with a positive memory; oftentimes a good apple can be hard to find, too high to reach, or tossed on the ground and infested by pests. That’s why we asked orchardists for their best advice on having a successful apple picking experience—from cooperating with mother nature to selecting the best apples, stay tuned for simple ways to optimize this fun fall activity .

Apple picking began as a necessity, when Pilgrims seeded orchards throughout the northeast. The desire to maintain the history of apple picking and reconnect with food foraged from nature are just a couple reasons why apple picking continues to be a prime fall activity, according to orchardist Andy Ferguson. “By providing a unique destination that often serves as the gathering place between city and rural, it is fulfilling knowing we’re helping to pass on a respect for nature and farming to a new generation,” he explains.

• Andy Ferguson is an orchardist and the co-owner of Ferguson's Orchards.

Check the Weather Before You Go

Mother Nature should be the first person you consult before planning a trip to the orchard. The best time to pick apples is when the weather is crisp and apples are ripe, which usually occurs in September. Plan ahead by keeping an eye on your weather app before deciding which day to go apple picking.

Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes

“Part of the farm experience is that you’ll likely encounter some dirt and long grass,” Ferguson says. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes and durable shoes, because you’re going to be in nature for quite some time.

Leave the Tools at Home

Some apple picking enthusiasts bring extendable poles to the orchard to help them reach the highest trees, but orchardists are never enthusiastic about it, explains Ferguson. “Most apple farmers cringe when they see the claws at the end tearing leaves off with the apples!” Leave all your tools at home and get ready to use your hands.

Remember That Trees Are Fragile

Handle with care— trees are fragile, and they’re constantly growing new fruits. “Often right behind the big red apple you’re about to pick, next year’s apple is already forming in the early stages of a fruit bud,” Ferguson says. Be careful not to pick an apple along with its leaves and branches; instead, gently pluck it from the tree and leave its surroundings intact.

Know What a Good Apple Looks Like

You might be wondering what a good apple looks like, and if so, don’t stress—we’ve got you covered. According to Ferguson, the age-old phrase “the redder the better” is actually an excellent way to assess whether an apple is ripe enough. “Often your local apple farmer will direct you to which apples are ready for picking—different types ripen at different times from mid-August through October.” Additionally, don’t be alarmed by the light white coating you may find on apples. When the heat from the sun is just too much, trees create a protective coating to prevent apples from getting “sunburnt.”

Prepare the Apple

Once you’ve plucked the apples and brought them home, Ferguson says they’re fine to eat right from the tree. However, many consumers are conscious of bacteria and pesticides, so if that’s the case, feel free to give the apples a quick rinse before consuming. You may use your batch of apples to make fall-themed recipes like apple pie, cider tea, or apple stuffing.

Don’t Be Alarmed by Admission Fees

Last but not least, a common complaint from apple orchard visitors: the admission fee. Apple orchardists sometimes charge visitors a fee due to the amount of apples that fall to the ground while picking. In fact, one to two apples fall to the ground for every one pick, says Ferguson. “In order to remain open to the public and cover the associated rising costs, most will have some sort of cover charge for the unique experience.”

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