_{^{Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash}}

The Joy of Apple Picking: A Celebration of Autumn’s Bounty

As the crispness of autumn settles in, it’s time to embrace the harvest with a delightful tradition: apple picking. This seasonal activity not only celebrates the festive spirit but also brings families and friends together in the beautiful orchards scattered across New England. Join the fun as we explore the best orchards, ideal picking times, and creative ways to enjoy your fruity treasures.

Where to Pick: Top Orchards in New England

New England is renowned for its picturesque orchards, where visitors can hand-pick ripe apples while soaking in the vibrant fall colors. Here’s a list of 10 of the best orchards that promise a memorable apple-picking experience. Some orchards even double as scenic spots for autumn leaf viewing, while others entice with live music and over 40 apple varieties! For pet lovers, Alyson’s Orchard is a warm welcoming location. If you’re in the mood for adventure, venture to Honey Pot Hill Orchard, where three hedge mazes await.

Bountiful apple orchards in New England

When to Go: Perfect Timing for a Sweet Harvest

As every seasoned apple picker knows, timing is everything. According to Jon Clements, an orchard researcher at the University of Massachusetts, each apple variety has its prime picking season. Clements monitors apple firmness, redness, and sweetness in the Belchertown orchard. After meticulous tracking, he asserts that nothing beats the combination of sunny days and cool nights for producing high-quality apples.

With this year’s favorable weather conditions, expect a fruitful harvest—yet, it’s worth noting that some varieties, like the famed Honeycrisp apple, can be particularly challenging to grow due to their finicky nature. In fact, it took over three decades for breeders to create the ideal balance of taste and crunch in the Honeycrisp variety!

Based on an informal poll from our newsroom, the consensus is clear: the best time for picking apples is within the first two weeks of October.

Autumn colors signal the time for apple picking

How to Celebrate Post-Picking

Once you’ve filled your bag with juicy apples, the question arises: what to do with them? A great idea is to check out Chef John’s 12 Best Apple Recipes on Food Wishes, where you’ll find delightful dishes ranging from apple fritters to baked apple cider donuts.

Other creative ideas include bobbing for apples using a classic red bucket and hose, or for a unique twist, try carving your apples into flowers to create stunning organic sculptures suitable for any party or gathering.

These culinary options lend themselves beautifully to gatherings, bringing friends and family together to share in the joy of the season.

Delicious apple recipes to try out this fall

As the apple-picking season unfolds, we encourage our readers to share their personal tips or stories. Have you discovered a hidden gem orchard? Do you have a go-to recipe that showcases apples brilliantly? Don’t hold back—send your apple picking insights to startingpoint@globe.com. This season is all about indulging in the rich flavors and experiences that this beloved fruit offers.

Apple picking isn’t just an activity; it’s a tradition that captures the essence of fall and fosters cherished memories with loved ones. Happy picking!