1There are orchards in nearly every state.
Caiaimage/Rafal RodzochThe easiest way to find them is just to google "apple orchards in [your city]." You could also go to pickyourown.org. There's a map on the site that lists a bunch of farms, and it's organized by state, then by region. Orangepippin.com has a similar database that also flags organic orchards.
2Apple picking season is short.
Westend61//Getty ImagesMost orchards start welcoming people at the beginning of September, and by late October, it's over.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3Go early.
redstallion//Getty ImagesGetting to an orchard right when it opens will mean less crowds. Going to an orchard earlier in the picking season—September instead of October—will also give you a better chance of getting the perfectly ripened apples you've been dreaming of.
4Everything you've heard about apple cider donuts is true.
Matt Champlin//Getty ImagesIn that they're delicious and available at many apple orchards. Plan to bring a dozen home—and also plan to probably finish them in the car before you get there. Also often for sale: fresh apple cider.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5Pick from the outside in.
TaPhotograph//Getty ImagesApples on the outside and lower branches ripen fastest, and they're easiest to grab. Make those are the first ones you reach for.
6Skip the ones on the ground.
Silke Magino//Getty ImagesListen, there's a little bit of conflicting information when it comes to windfall apples, or apples that land on the ground. The general consensus, though, is that they're not the best. Three things will deter you: 1. There's a good chance they were bruised or cut during the drop. 2. They often get infested with bugs. 3. The apples may contain toxic compounds developed from fungi that grow on fallen apples.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7You can shake your booty, but don't shake the apple tree.
Sven Hagolani//Getty ImagesGo ahead and do your basic b*tch hapy dance when you get to the orchard, but then, know this: One must only pick apples off a tree—not shake a tree until apples fall. First, that's wasteful, since you'll probably drop a lot more apples than you were intending to get. Second, you risk damaging said extra apples...meaning you won't want to pick them off the ground...and neither will anyone else.
8Apple varieties have their own mini seasons.
MirageC//Getty ImagesWhen you get to the orchard, ask what kind they have ripened at the moment. It varies by region, but there's a general pattern: McIntosh and Honeycrisp tend to ripen during September, and Golden Delicious and Red Delicious are usually ready to pick by the end of that month. If you're going out in October, get ready for some Fuji and Granny Smith.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9Bring reusable bags.
photo by Katherine Lewinski//Getty ImagesOrchards will have bags for you, but many supply paper ones. Opt for something a little more environmentally friendly and bring canvas bags or a crate to cart the fruit home with you.
10You can do so much with your loot.
Ethan Calabrese Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11Different apples are best for different recipes.
Allie FolinoThe best apples for baking projects are hearty with a lot of acidity, so they don't break down to mush (think: Granny Smith and Cortland). You can eat what your taste buds tell you to, but Delish editors prefer Honey Crispy, Mutsu, Fuji, and Gala. As for applesauce, choose the mealy varieties, like McIntosh or Golden Delicious.
12
Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s the Weekend
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below