Although apples are available year-round, most of the apple crops mature during late summer and early fall and that’s when you’ll a wide range of varieties to choose from at the grocery store. It is also the time when you can spend the day and go visit an orchard to pick-your-own and take home as many fresh apples as you like.
Although there is an extensive list of apple varieties, most pick-your-own orchards have a smaller sampling that they grow. Here I have narrowed down some of the most popular choices plus key characteristics, how flavors differ, and which apple types work best in baked goods or just for plain snacking. You’ll also find helpful ways to get the most out of your experience when you visit an orchard.
How to Pick the Best Apples at the Orchard
At most orchards you will visit you can purchase apples which are available pre-picked, or you can pick your own, mixing and matching various type. Here are some tips that can help you bring home the best fruit possible.
- Choose fruit that’s firm and free of nicks and bruises.
- The apples nearest the outside of the tree are the ones that ripen first. If a variety is at peak ripening time, start there for the best ready-to-eat apples.
- Picked apples do not ripen more once they are removed from the branch.
- To pick an apple off the tree perfectly, rotate the fruit upwards and twist. Don’t pull down or straight, and never shake branches.
How to Pick the Best Apples at the Grocery Store
There’s nothing more disappointing than biting into an apple and finding it floury and soft. To avoid that heartbreak, look for these characteristics for the perfect apple every time.
- Firm
- Fragrant
- Bruise- and nick-free
How to Store Fresh Apples
Fresh apples may be left on the counter at room temperature for a day or two. But if you have more apples than you will use in that time (or want to save them for future eating or baking) store them in the fridge. It is important to keep apples in a separate compartment because they give off a gas that hastens the ripening of other vegetables.
If you want to keep them for an extended period of time you can also slice the apples and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once completely frozen, place the apple slices in a freezer-safe plastic container or freezer bag.
Should You Really Eat an Apple a Day?
In order to maximize your vitamin and mineral intake it’s recommended that you consume 2 servings of fruit per. Whether you would like those servings to be as apples really is a personal preference. Below you will see some of the health benefits you will gain by adding a fresh one to your daily diet:
- Apples are relatively low in calories. An average serving size for an apple is only about 65 calories.
- A single small apple provides one serving of fruit toward your recommended daily allowance or 2 per day.
- Apples have an abundance of soluble fiber (about four grams), which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
- Naturally sweet apples may satisfy sugar cravings without processed ingredients.
- A single apple offers about 10 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C
- Higher fruit and vegetable intake can lead to better overall health as well as improved weight management.
Apple Orchards near Chicago
Looking for an apple orchard near you? You’re in luck! Chicago is close to some of the best Apple Orchards and Farms in the Midwest along with some tasty apple varieties. See below for a list of some of my favourites:
- Prairie Sky Orchard – From Chicago: 60 miles northwest
- Honey Hill Orchard – From Chicago: 65 miles west
- Apple Holler – From Chicago: 65 miles north
- County Line Orchard – From Chicago: 40 miles southeast
- Jonamac Apple Orchard – From Chicago: 70 miles west
- Goebberts Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard – From Chicago: 50 miles northwest
- Kuipers Family Farm – From Chicago: 55 miles west
- Heinz Orchard – From Chicago: 40 miles north
Is Apple Picking a tradition with you and your family? What are some of your favourite apple recipes? I have plenty of apples to put to work.