The Right Way to Pick an Apple—and 8 Other Things to Know Before You Go Apple Picking
Updated: Sep. 16, 2020Leaves are starting to turn and the air is getting crisper—it's finally apple picking season! We spoke to experts to get the best intel on how to upgrade your apple picking experience.
Wear the right gear
What does your ensemble have to do with apple picking, you’re wondering? First, you want to make sure you’re prepared for potentially damp fall conditions. According to Peter Hull of Apple Dave’s Orchards, “Apple trees are out in a field with tall, six inch grass. Warm, dry shoes make for happy picking!” He adds that dressing in layers is a good idea, too, because a day that starts out chilly may end up sunny and warm.
Keep your skin covered
Wearing shorts to an apple orchard probably isn’t the best idea unless you’re interested in battling mosquito or potentially tick bites—and there are more and more tick-borne diseases out there—after apple collecting. All that tall grass is a safe haven for bugs.
Yes, there’s a right way to pick
It turns out the right way to pick an apple is to the left. As odd as that might sound, Hull says it’s to protect and preserve the tree’s health, so you can keep coming back for apples year after year. “Twist to the left, never pull off branches and leaves.” A good counter-clockwise twisting motion will help give your apple stems the cleanest break.
Here are more facts about apples most people don’t know.
Bring your own tote bags
Sure, the orchard you’re going to may give you fun buckets, baskets and other gear for picking apples, but after apple collections are done there is a good chance they’ll either be loaded up in cardboard boxes, plastic grocery bags, or other less sturdy carrying options. Not every orchard will allow you to use your own tote bag while you’re out picking, but at least having one after you pay and load up the car will help simplify getting your precious cargo from the trunk to your kitchen safely.
Store your apple harvest in a cool, dry place
“Apples stored in a cool, dry place can last for months,” explains Hull. That means you’ll be loaded with heart-healthy, fibre-rich fruit till the New Year if you play your cards right.
Check out more painless ways to increase your dietary fibre.
Know which varieties you’re picking
Different apples are good for different uses, people, and even age groups. Hull suggests Gala apples for apple-picking families with young children because “Galas are a small, sweet apple for great chomping by little teeth.” If you’re a little more mature and like a tart apple flavour, you might want to head to a Granny Smith or Braeburn orchard. Applesauce lovers will go wild for Cortland apples, and apple pie recipe addicts should head straight for a field of Fuji apple trees thanks to their ability to stand up to heat in ovens and stove tops.
It’s official—these are the best apples for apple pie!
Find the best local apples
Just because you’re a Red Delicious fan doesn’t mean that’s what grows best in your region. There’s good news, though—apples grow in almost every corner of Canada. In fact, any region that reaches a “chill zone” of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius is good for apple growing, but other factors like soil can impact which types grow best in your region.
Check out this gorgeous photo gallery celebrating autumn in Canada.
Pick more than you think you need
Even if you’re not the biggest consumer of apples, hand-picked apples are a fun and inexpensive gift to surprise your friends and family with. There’s something extra special about telling someone you personally collected each and every apple they’re receiving, or eating in a delicious apple recipe. Plus, they store well, so there’s really nothing to lose except some refrigerator space.
Find out exactly how to stock your fridge if you want your food to last.
Resist the urge to eat apples direct from the trees
Even if you get a little hungry while you’re picking, experts suggest resisting your urge to snack on your goodies unless you have the ability to wash your fruit first. Apples are a thin-skinned fruit that often require extra layers of pesticides and other chemicals designed to protect them from pesky bugs, birds and even snack-loving deer.
Now that you know how to make the most of apple picking season, brush up on the health benefits of apples.
