September begins the very popular Pick Your Own Apples season here on Long Island. Apple picking is a great activity to do with the whole family. Everyone gets a little fresh air and exercise, freshly picked produce to enjoy, and the kids get a chance to see how food is grown and collected. Picking your own fresh produce also allows you to be extra picky and get the exact type of fruit you want.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to picking your own apples. Apple orchards and farms have apples of all different shapes, colors, sizes, and tastes. They can be used in baking, in ciders, or just for eating raw. When you are gathering apples for baking purposes choose ones that are overripe. A good to know fact about apples is that they ripen on the tree from the outside towards the center. Now you’ll have an easier time distinguishing which apples are right for you.
When it comes to actually picking the fruit off the branch apples are relatively easy. Simply cup the apple with your hand, lift it up, and twist gently. It should come off the branch with the stem still attached. Do not force apples off the tree because that may tear off the spurs and cause other apples to fall off and bruise. A suddenly cascading apple could also give someone in your party a pretty nice, bump on the head.
If you’re wondering where they are, many of the apple orchards and farms on Long Island are located in the rural areas of the east end on the South and North Fork.
Fort Salonga Farm
30 Meadow Glen Road, Northport, NY 11768
631-269-9666
Hank’s Farm Stand
324 County Road 39, Southampton, NY 11968
631-726-4667
Lewin Farms
812 Sound Avenue, Calverton, NY 11933
631-929-4327
Wickham’s Fruit Farm
28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY 11935
631-734-6441
Windy Acres Farm
3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton, NY 11933
631-727-4554
Where else do you and your family go on Long Island to pick fresh apples in the fall?
Photo by adauzie via Free Images