Apple picking during the fall months is the perfect way to celebrate the season. We had been told that the activity is a “must” when living on the east coast and that it is the perfect escape from the city on a fall day. Somehow fall came and went last year with no apple picking outing, but this year we weren’t going to let it pass us by.
We gladly accepted an invitation from friends to tag along in their zipcar as we headed about an hour north of the city. The leaves (oh the beautiful leaves!) are incredible. I think our timing was spot on and it felt as though we were swimming through radiant colors. After reaching the farm, just stepping out of the car you could smell the aroma of fresh cider. That paired with the crispness in the air was the perfect welcome to fall.
The actual process of picking wasn’t a piece of cake. Because we were there a little later in the season, most of the apples were left hanging at the tops of the trees. Thank goodness you could rent this nifty picking pole for $1. We picked mostly Red Delicious and Macintosh apples and had a great time with our friends the Youngbergs.
We ended up splitting a bag of apples which was a very good idea seeing that we both came out with a handsome bounty of 30 or so apples each. I’m sure that your next question is what did you make with all of those apples??? Well, we enjoyed the Macintosh apples on their own with cheese, crackers, and delicious bread for a few days before I developed a plan for the rest. (To be honest, I was really just enjoying them as decor in my kitchen) By the time I got around to plans for apple crumb cake and apple butter, I was disappointed to find out that the red delicious were a mealy, mushy mess and lacked terribly in flavor. They’re not optimal for baking either. Shoot. We tried to enjoy a few more on their own and in salads, but to be honest the taste and texture were just a bit off. I guess that it was just a case of bad apple picking luck.
Maybe visiting earlier in the season would result in a better product. Regardless of mealy apples, the experience was delightful and I’m so glad that we went!
p.s. my waistline is thanking me for not making that apple crumb cake.
What a perfect way to celebrate fall! Our Red Delicious apples were a disappointment this year as well. We’re wondering if it’s because of the really warm fall weather? Our maybe it was just too wet? No worries – my Red Romes and Granny Smith were luscious!
You have wonderful pictures! It was such a great day really, we are so glad we got to enjoy it with you guys!