Apple picking is a fun fall activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether it’s your first time visiting a local apple orchard, or you feel like you’re a picking pro, here’s a few things you may not know about picking apples, whether on the tree or in your local store or farmer’s market.
Find an orchard
Northeast Ohio has dozens of apple orchards and farms that are open to the public. Many provide U-pick opportunities beginning in late summer and going through the end of fall. Before heading to your local orchard, check their website or social media page for detailed information. You’ll be able to find out their U-pick days and times as well as what variety of apples are ripe for picking. Check out our list of Northeast Ohio apple orchards!
What to bring to an orchard
There isn’t much you need to bring for apple picking. Most places provide bags or baskets for you to carry your apples. Apples may be priced per pound, so be mindful of how full and heavy your bag becomes. Check to see if the orchard accepts cash or card and if they charge an admission fee so you can be prepared.
It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes or boots since you’ll be doing some walking, weaving in and out of tree branches and standing on your tiptoes to get the ones off the high branches.
Orchard etiquette
Orchards are typically privately owned by farmers or families who allow their personal farm to be used for the public’s enjoyment. Before heading out on your picking adventure, check to see if they have specific rules posted. Here’s a few basic visiting rules to keep in mind:
Don’t climb or damage the trees. There’s no need to bring cutters or ladders. Only pick what you can reach and do not attempt to climb or bend any branches.
Stay in designated picking area. Farms may have acres of apple trees but only allow a few rows a day to be picked. Different varieties of apples are in various stages of ripening and should not be picked until they’re ready.
Only pick what you plan on paying for. Be mindful of over-picking or accidentally knocking off apples you don’t intend to buy.
Don’t taste test. While it’s tempting to take a big bite out of an apple in the field, it’s advised not to, since the apples may have pesticides, bird droppings, bacteria or other things you wouldn’t want to consume. Instead, see if the farm has samples that are washed and cut. The USDA also advises that fresh produce should be rinsed under running water before consuming. Apples can also be gently scrubbed. Do not use soap on apples.
Check their pet policy before bringing your four-legged friend.
How to pick apples
Did you know apple trees ripen from the outside first, so the apples hanging on the outer branches will be the ripest.
A ripe apple should be firm, with no bruising or mushy spots.
Don’t yank an apple off the branch or shake the branch and let it fall. Instead, give the apple a gentle twist and pull, and it should come off easily with the stem attached.
Set apples gently in your basket or bag as they can bruise easily.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The farmers or helpers on site are very knowledgeable and can give you a lot of great info about the apple varieties.
Apples from the market
No time to pick your own? No problem. Most farms will have a market or stand with pre-made, ready-to-go bags of apples. Apples are usually labeled with the name of the variety. They may also provide some characteristics about the apple variety. For example, they may say the variety of apple is sweet, sour, good for baking, etc. They may also provide samples for you to try before you purchase a bag.
Storing apples at home
Once you get your apples home, you’ll need to find a place for them. Do you keep them on the countertop or fridge? The good news is, you can do both. For the short-term, apples can be left in a bowl on the countertop for about a week. Do not store it with any other fruit as their gases will make other fruit ripen quicker.
For longer-term, apples should be refrigerated, ideally in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator, away from other produce, where they can last for months. Rinse apples under running water before consuming. You can also gently scrub with a produce brush to remove dirt.
Fun Pumpkin Facts for Your Family
1. The United States grows more than two billion pumpkins yearly, with more than 80 percent harvested in the month of October.
2. In 2023, a Minnesota horticulture teacher set a new world record for the world’s heaviest pumpkin, weighing in at 2,749 pounds.
3. According to Guinness World Records, the largest pumpkin pie weighed 3,699 pounds and was made by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers at New Bremen Pumpkinfest in New Bremen, Ohio on September 25, 2010. The diameter of the pie was 20 feet.
4. Pumpkins are native to North America. The oldest pumpkin seeds were found
in Mexico, dating back to 7000-5550 B.C.
5. Pumpkins are more than 90 percent water.
6. Why are some pumpkins bumpy? Warty pumpkins have been all the rage the past few years, adding texture and color to the front porch display. These pumpkins have been genetically bred for their bumpy texture and are perfectly healthy gourds.
What to Do with Pumpkins After Halloween
After the trick-or-treating fun is over, don’t throw Mr. Pumpkin in your trash. Instead, there are a few natural things you can do to recycle your pumpkin at home. Did you know your backyard wildlife would love to fest on your leftover jack-o-lantern? Decomposing pumpkin also makes a great fertilizer for your garden. When you’re done with your pumpkin display, cut it into chunks and throw in a flower bed, or animal-friendly spot in your yard. Watch birds, squirrels, groundhogs, deer and more stop by for a delicious treat. Any leftover scraps will decompose over the winter in your garden or flower bed. Just make sure to avoid painting your pumpkin or treating it with any chemicals so it stays safe for animals to eat.
