Connect with Nature: Go apple picking
Samantha Nurse, Web and Social Media Coordinator
Apple picking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy locally grown products. With September and October being the height of apple season, this the perfect time to head out to a local farm to experience this classic fall activity. Here are a few tips for a great apple picking experience:
1) Choose the right farm – Apple picking can be enjoyed across the country but farms will vary in terms of facilities and growing practices. For example, some farmers choose to grow their apples organically, while others may have more dwarf trees, which can be better suited to children. Check with your farm of choice before heading out to make sure it’s right for you.
2) Bring proper gear – Bring along a bucket to store your apples in and pack a lunch for the day. Some farms also offer hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos, so make sure to dress comfortably for a day on the farm.
3) Know how to spot a good apple and how to pick it – A good apple will be crisp, firm and easily picked from the tree with a gentle twist of the stem. It can be any colour from green, to yellow, bright red, or even a combination of colours, depending on the type of apple. The ripeness can be calculated using the number of days since the tree flowered, so ask the farmer for advice on where to find the best apples in the orchard.
Apples ripen from the outer edges of the tree to the inside, so try to pick the apples on the outlying branches of the tree first. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give it a little twist. Make sure to place them gently in the bucket. Apples will last longer if they are bruise free!
4) Store apples in a cool place – Keeping apples cool will increase their shelf life and help ensure they can be enjoyed for weeks for come. A cool basement or the fruit or vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will make a perfect home for your apples. Try to refrain from washing them until you are ready to use them as moisture will accelerate spoiling.
5) Enjoy! – From baked apples and applesauce to dumplings and apple pie, there are lots of great ways to enjoy your haul! Try a new recipe, prepare an old favorite or enjoy a fresh apple on its own for the perfect fall treat.
