
There's something magical about biting into an apple you just picked yourself. Maybe it's because it's never been sitting in cold storage for weeks, or maybe it's the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food came from. Either way, apple picking beats buying grocery store apples every single time.
But most people show up at orchards without any real plan. They grab whatever looks decent, stuff it in a bag, and wonder why their apples go bad so fast. Learning a few basics about apple picking can totally change your experience and give you fruit that tastes incredible for months.
When Should You Go Apple Picking?
Timing matters way more than you'd think. Different apple varieties ripen at completely different times, so showing up randomly might mean missing the good stuff entirely. Early apples like Gala start getting ripe in late August - these are sweet and perfect for eating right away, but they don't keep well.
September brings the really popular varieties. Honeycrisp apples are usually ready around mid-September, and honestly, they're worth planning a trip around. These things are crazy crisp and have this perfect sweet-tart balance that makes them ridiculously addictive.
October is when the serious baking apples come in. Granny Smith apples take forever to ripen, but that wait pays off if you love making pies or just want apples that'll last until spring. The fruit picking season really hits its stride in fall, unlike summer fruits that come and go quickly.
Apple Type |
When They're Ready |
What They're Like |
How Long They Last |
Gala |
Late August |
Super sweet, soft texture |
Few weeks |
Honeycrisp |
Mid September |
Crispy, sweet with tang |
2-3 months |
Empire |
Early October |
Balanced flavor, good crunch |
2 months |
Granny Smith |
Late October |
Tart, stays firm when cooked |
4-5 months |
How to Actually Pick Apples (Most People Do It Wrong)
Okay, so you'd think apple picking would be obvious - just grab and pull, right? Wrong. Do that and you'll damage the tree and probably bruise the apple too. The trick is lifting and twisting at the same time. Cup the apple in your palm, lift it up, and give it a gentle quarter turn. If it's ripe, it'll come right off with the little stem still attached.
If you have to yank hard, the apple isn't ready yet. Leave it for someone else to get later in the season. Fighting with unripe fruit just frustrates you and hurts the tree.
For the high branches, definitely use a ladder if the orchard provides them. Don't be that person trying to shake branches or climb trees - orchard owners hate that stuff, and it's dangerous. Plus you'll end up with bruised apples that go bad fast.
This is totally different from cherry picking where the fruit practically falls off when it's ready. Apples need that lifting motion to come off cleanly.
Picking the Good Ones (Size Isn't Everything)
Everyone goes for the biggest apples, but that's actually a mistake. Huge apples often taste watery and bland because they grew too fast. Medium-sized apples usually have way better flavor - they had time to develop complexity instead of just getting big.
Look for apples that feel heavy for their size. That means they're dense and juicy inside. The skin should be firm with no soft spots or dark patches. A little bit of russet (that brownish, rough texture) is actually fine on some varieties - it doesn't affect taste at all.
Color can be tricky because it varies so much between types. But generally, you want to see that the apple has lost its deep green undertone. Even red apples usually have a greenish background that fades as they ripen.
Here's something most people don't know - if an apple sounds hollow when you tap it, skip it. Good apples should sound solid and dense.
What to Bring for Apple Picking
Most orchards give you bags or baskets, but honestly, bringing your own containers works better. You can separate different varieties instead of mixing everything together. Plus, orchard bags sometimes tear when they get heavy.
Wear shoes you can walk in for a while - orchards aren't paved, and you'll be covering more ground than you think. Dress in layers because mornings can be chilly, but afternoons get warm. And bring hand sanitizer if you plan to eat apples while you pick (which you definitely will).
Unlike delicate stuff like raspberry picking or elderberry picking, apples are pretty tough. But they still bruise if you throw them around, so handle them reasonably gently.
Making Your Apples Last Forever (Well, Almost)
This is where most people mess up big time. They get home with beautiful apples and stick them in a fruit bowl on the counter. Two weeks later, everything's mushy and brown. What a waste!
Apples need cold storage - like, really cold. Your refrigerator crisper drawer is perfect. Put them in perforated plastic bags (or poke holes in regular bags) to maintain humidity but allow some air flow.
Don't wash them until you're ready to eat them. That extra moisture on the skin just invites bacteria and mold. Some varieties, like Granny Smith can literally last until spring if you store them right.
Check on your stored apples every week or so and remove any that are starting to go bad. One rotting apple really will spoil the whole bunch - it's not just an expression. This is so different from strawberry picking where you basically have to eat everything within a few days. With proper storage, apple picking can provide fresh fruit for months.
Other Fruits to Think About During Apple Picking Season
Fall isn't just about apples. Many orchards also have late-season fruits ready at the same time. Plum picking often overlaps with early apple varieties. And if you're lucky, you might find places doing currant picking or blackberry picking in early fall.
Some orchards even have nectarine picking going into September, though that's more common in warmer areas. The point is, don't tunnel vision on just apples - look around and see what else is available.
Planning multiple fruit picking trips throughout the season gives you variety and helps you learn what grows when in your area. Each type of fruit has its own personality and challenges, which keep things interesting.
Ready for the Best Apple Picking Experience?
Skip the mediocre orchards with picked-over trees and tired fruit. Get the premium apple picking experience with perfectly maintained trees, expert advice, and varieties you won't find anywhere else.
Visit an orchard that actually cares about quality and watch your whole family fall in love with real, fresh-picked apples.