Apple picking has been a beloved family tradition for generations, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the simple pleasures of the fall season. It’s more than just harvesting fruit – it’s about making memories, enjoying the outdoors, and celebrating the bounty of nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned apple picker or just looking for something fun to do this fall, apple picking offers a unique opportunity to bond with family and friends. Plus, there’s nothing quite like enjoying freshly picked apples in a homemade pie or cider.
Why Apple Picking is More Than Just an Activity
Apple picking is about so much more than just filling up a basket. It’s a chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones, especially for those who have made it a yearly tradition. Many people, like myself, associate apple picking with family outings and cherished moments from childhood.
I think back to my own experiences of visiting orchards with my grandparents, who lived near Bartlett’s Apple Orchard in Richmond, Massachusetts. The warm scent of fresh apple cider donuts, the crisp fall air, and the joy of picking apples – those memories still bring a smile to my face.
It’s not just about the apples, but about the experiences shared while picking them. These days, I love taking my kids to the Graves Mountain Apple Festival in Virginia. While we’re there, they get to hike up the mountain, pick apples from the trees, and enjoy everything from hayrides to live music. Most importantly, I know they’ll have memories to hold onto, just like I do.
Apple Picking as a Fun and Educational Family Activity
Apple picking isn’t just a fun activity – it’s a great way to teach children about farming and the natural world. It’s a hands-on experience that allows kids to see where their food comes from. Whether you’re introducing your little ones to their first apple orchard or visiting one with your teens, there’s something exciting for everyone. Watching their eyes light up as they pick their first apple is a moment that sticks with you.
Apple picking also gives kids the chance to explore and learn. They can feel the texture of the apples, learn about different varieties, and pick up a few tricks for choosing the best fruit. They might even be inspired to learn more about agriculture, and who knows? Maybe you’ll have a future orchardist in the making!
And don’t forget – apple picking can help spark creativity in the kitchen. After a fun day of picking, you can bring the apples home and bake something together, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Apple
While the experience of apple picking is all about fun, it’s also good to know how to pick the best apples to ensure you get the most out of your trip. Here are a few simple tips to help you find the perfect apple:
- Pick from the outer branches: Apples on the outer limbs ripen first, so they’re likely to be ready to pick.
- Check for firmness: When picking, make sure the apples are firm to the touch with no bruises or soft spots.
- Twist and lift: Gently lift the apple upward and twist to pick it. This ensures you don’t damage the fruit or the tree.
- Avoid shaking the tree: Shaking branches can cause apples to fall and bruise.
- Be gentle: Place apples gently in your basket. Throwing them in can cause bruises, making them spoil faster.
Remember, the joy of apple picking is in the process, so don’t rush! Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and let everyone explore.
After all that apple picking, head to a trampoline park like Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park for even more fun with the whole family.
Fun Activities to Do While Apple Picking
Apple picking isn’t just about the fruit; it’s about enjoying everything the orchard has to offer. Many orchards host festivals, and these events provide even more activities to enjoy. Some orchards, like the Graves Mountain Apple Festival, feature hayrides, live music, and opportunities to meet farm animals. Others offer apple cider demonstrations or even apple butter-making workshops.
For the kids, many orchards have corn mazes or pumpkin patches to explore. These additional activities allow you to make the most out of your visit, creating a well-rounded family outing.
Don’t forget to bring your camera! You’ll want to capture the smiles, the excitement, and all the little moments that make apple picking special.
The Harvest Beyond Apples: Delicious Recipes to Try
Now that you’ve picked your apples, what should you do with them? The possibilities are endless. Apple pie is a classic favorite, but you can also use your fresh apples to make apple butter, applesauce, or even apple-stuffed dishes. I personally love using apples in stuffing, especially for a Thanksgiving meal. It’s a wonderful way to bring the flavor of the harvest to your table.
When baking or cooking with apples, be sure to choose firm apples that will hold their shape and flavor. Sweet-tart varieties, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are perfect for pies, while sweeter varieties are ideal for snacking or making applesauce.
And if you’re worried about using up all your apples at once, don’t stress! Apples can be stored in the fridge for weeks, so you’ll have plenty of time to try out new recipes as the season goes on.
Once you’ve created your delicious apple dishes, take a trip to Once Upon a Child for all your fall fashion needs and keep your kids cozy and stylish this season!
Storing Apples for Future Use
Don’t feel like you need to use all your apples immediately. If you find yourself with a bushel of apples, the good news is they can be stored for up to 6 weeks in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Make sure to separate any bruised apples from the good ones and use those first, as they’ll spoil faster.
If you’re not sure what to do with extra apples, consider making homemade apple preserves, dehydrating slices, or freezing apples for later use in smoothies or baking.
Apple picking is about enjoying the moment, but it’s also about making sure nothing goes to waste. Even if you don’t bake all the pies or make all the cider you planned, you can save your apples for future fall recipes.
Apple Picking: A Perfect Fall Adventure for Everyone
Apple picking isn’t just for families with little ones; it’s an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’re planning a cozy outing with friends, a romantic date, or a solo trip to connect with nature, the experience can be equally enjoyable. For couples, apple orchards provide a peaceful, scenic environment to take a leisurely stroll among the trees and enjoy the fresh air. For groups of friends, apple picking can turn into a fun competition to see who picks the best apples or fills their basket the fastest.
The beauty of apple picking lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for fancy equipment or preparation – just a few hours outdoors, a basket, and a sense of adventure. The reward is not just in the apples you bring home but in the shared experience itself. And for those who like to make the most of every moment, many orchards also offer cider tasting, live music, and other fall activities, making the day even more enjoyable.
So whether you’re a couple looking for a quiet retreat or a group of friends searching for a fun fall activity, apple picking is a perfect choice to experience the best of autumn.
Gimkit Code: For some extra fun and learning with your kids, check out this unique Gimkit code for an interactive quiz game related to apples and the fall season! It’s a great way to continue the excitement at home.
Wrapping Up: Embrace the Fall Tradition of Apple Picking
Apple picking is more than just a seasonal activity – it’s a chance to make memories, enjoy nature, and bring home the delicious fruits of your labor. From teaching kids about farming to savoring freshly baked apple pies, apple picking provides countless opportunities for family fun and togetherness. Whether you visit a local orchard or embark on a seasonal festival, you’re sure to create moments that you’ll look back on for years to come.
Remember to take your time, pick the perfect apples, and enjoy everything the orchard has to offer. So, gather your loved ones, head out to the nearest apple orchard, and enjoy the bounty of the season. Your fall adventure awaits, filled with apples, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to get started? Head over to Plant Sumo for more tips on creating unforgettable family traditions and making the most of the fall season!
