Guide to Apple Orchard Season
11th Dec 2023
It's that time again! Right about now, most of us are ready for that first cold front to roll through to signify the end of summer and the beginning of our favorite fall activities. We're here to honor one of the most popular and cherished fall activities: apple picking!!! Everyone can truly enjoy apple-picking- from field trips to first dates to family outings, almost everyone can participate in this activity.
When:
Apple Picking season just began and runs through mid-December, so there is plenty of time for you to get your fix. Many apple orchards only offer U-pick on weekends, so make sure to check their calendars before you make your trip.
Where to pick:
We're here to help you scout out the best Apple Orchards in America- whether you're looking near or far! Apple orchards can be found all over the United States, so we found this nifty Orange Pippin apple picking directory for you all to use. Below, we have highlighted four of the best and most interactive apple orchards around the United States that you NEED to add to your bucket list this fall.
Top Apple Orchards:
County Line Orchard (Hobart, Indiana)
Head over to County Line Orchard on September 1st for the beginning of apple picking season. Take a scenic ride around their sprawling orchards and take your "pick" of over 30 different apple varieties to bring home. Take some time from picking apples to visit the bee yurts that keep the trees pollinate and make the apple orchard possible! The thrill-seekers can end the day at the corn maze before going home to look through their apple bounty.
(Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor)
Parlee Farms (Tyngsborough, Indiana)
Head over to Parlee Farms for crisp apple picking and some delicious farm-fresh eats. Parlee Farms is home to an apple orchard covering 19 acres of land and 20 types of apples. Take time to hang out at the Farmstand and watch them make fresh apple cider doughnuts, or choose to pick apples and take a hayride tour around the grounds. After visiting the animal barns, you can end your afternoon with a hot apple crisp at Mary’s Country Kitchen.
(Photo courtesy of Parlee Farms)
SLO Creek Farms (San Luis Obispo, California)
At SLO Creek Farms, located in San Luis Obispo, California, enjoy certified organic apple picking on 44 acres of unadulterated farmland. While apple picking is the main draw for this California farm, you can also take advantage of their U-Pick organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers! They even have their very own “Liquid Gold” Hard Cider that you can taste and purchase for later or sip while chilling at the farm. SLO creek is open for apple picking from August 30th until the end of November, giving you ample time to head over for a visit and make some memories.
(Photo courtesy of SLO Creek Farms)
BJ Reece’s Orchard (Ellijay, GA)
Luckily for everyone, BJ Reece Orchards Farm Fun commences on August 28th and will host activities every weekend through October 31st, 2021. Aside from picking delicious apples to bring home, there is also a petting farm open all days of the week, and all outdoor activities are dog friendly. Check out their U-Pick calendar and plan your trip ASAP!
How to Use Your Apples
We all know what can happen after picking fresh fruit… we end up using half, and the rest goes bad. But we’re here to help you prevent that problem with some delicious recipes that you’ll be dying to make once you bring your bounty home!
Apple Pie Panini with Vanilla Ice Cream
(Recipe by Just a Taste)
We love an apple pie fresh out of the oven; I mean, who doesn’t? But we love this fresh new take on the classic apple pie. This Apple Pie Panini recipe is simple and only requires a panini press (or a pan if you don’t have one). This dessert is also fun for kids to make, as well as adults. All you need to do is put the ingredients in between two slices of Cinnamon Raisin bread, pop it in the panini maker, and VOILÀ; your dessert awaits. Once done, don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, because what’s apple pie without ice cream? This dish is best served on the Tuckahoe East Asian Walnut Board.
(Photo courtesy of Just a Taste)
(Recipe by Two Peas & Their Pod)
A delicious apple cheddar dish is one of these best and most comforting culinary combinations, many times overlooked. These Apple Cheddar Biscuits are the perfect way to mingle our favorite flavors alongside your favorite fall dishes. We like to eat these biscuits with our favorite soup when the temperature drops or warm with honey butter as a snack. The best part about these biscuits is that they can stay frozen for up to 2 months and reheat when you want them! Pop these out of the oven and line them up on our White Mod Charcuterie Plank.
(Photo courtesy of Two Peas & Their Pod)
Arugula, Apple, and Goat Cheese Flatbread
(Recipe by A Saucy Kitchen)
This flatbread makes for the perfect sweet and savory combination. While apple, goat cheese, and pecans are typically tossed onto a salad, we love the idea of adding these ingredients to a flatbread (that can be gluten-free if needed)! Serve this as an hors d'oeuvre at your fall football get-togethers or for a comforting dinner after a long day at work. (Ps: this flatbread is best served on our French Cutting Boards for a rustic, European farmhouse feel)
(Photo courtesy of A Saucy Kitchen)
Pork Chops with Sauteed Apples
(Recipe by Bev Cooks)
And now, for the savory dish of your dreams. This recipe is straight from the kitchen of one of our favorite chefs, Bev Wiedner of Bev Cooks. Bev pairs this flavorful dish with buttery roasted potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. This dish is full of mouth-watering autumn flavors that your whole family will love.
Autumn Apple Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie is all the rave right now and certainly can be eaten during any season, but our twist on this classic adds a touch of Autumn. This board is perfect for every kind of Fall get-together and features several different pairings. To start, we like to include apple and brie cups with a honey drizzle served in Wholesome Good Party Cups- the best for single-serve hors d'oeuvres. Serve alongside thinly cut red and green apple slices, soft cheeses and nuts of your choice, and apple maple bacon jam from Wholesome Good! And, don't forget to garnish with fresh rosemary! Finally, we like to use our John Boos Lightweight Maple Cutting Board for plenty of space to create a beautiful apple assortment.
Have any questions about our products? Please reach out to help@cuttingboard.com for all inquiries. And, of course, happy apple picking!
