Apple Picking Outings
Fall is apple harvest time! Hundreds of pick-your-own apple orchards across the country offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family.
A day trip to a pick-your-own apple orchard is a perfect fall family expedition. Apple picking is a great way to enjoy Mother Nature's fall color show, expose kids to agriculture, and to have some darn good fun in the process.
We offer the following tips to get the most out of your apple-picking adventure.
- To find pick-your-own orchards in your area, contact your state tourism bureau, chamber of commerce, Cooperative Extension Service office or department of agriculture.
- Call ahead to find out days and hours of operation – depending on Mother Nature, this year's harvest can be running early or late, affecting hours.
- Dress appropriately – wear comfortable clothes and footwear that can get dirty. Don't forget the bug spray and sun screen!
- Most of all, have fun! Take it slow, and enjoy the peace and quiet. Let the littlest ones set the pace.
- Try varieties of apples that are new to you – most orchards feature apple varieties that are only available locally.
- Mind your manners. Be nice to the trees, and carry your trash out with you. Take all the fruit that you pick.
- For the best apple-eating experience, pick fruit that is firm to the touch and free of bruises. Once you get them home, store apples in your refrigerator, in a ventilated bag, away from other strong-odored foods.
- Continue the fun at home! Involve the whole family in preparing apple dishes, such as the following recipe for microwave applesauce. They'll all be more inclined to eat food they helped prepare!
Easy Microwave Applesauce
6 cups of peeled, cored and sliced fruit
1/4 c water
1/3 c sugar (adjust to taste)
Mix all ingredients in a 2-quart microwave safe baking dish. Cover and micro-cook on high power 6 to 8 minutes. Using a food processor or blender, process the cooked mixture to the desired consistency. For chunkier sauce, use a potato masher or pastry blender.
Optional: To make flavored applesauce, stir in ingredients of choice, such as 1/4t ground cinnamon or nutmeg, 1t grated lemon peel, 1t vanilla extract, and even red-hot cinnamon candies.
