Every autumn, as the air turns crisp, we can’t help but think of apple season. Orchards glow in shades of red, green, and gold, each apple variety offering its own distinctive texture and sweetness.
Let’s take a look at some fun facts about apples, along with ways to enjoy the season.
🍎Did you know…
Washington State is the top producer of apples in the United States, this includes producing over 90% of the country’s organic apple crop. The state has been the leading U.S. apple producer since the 1920s. This is mainly due to their hot, dry summers, cold, crisp winters, and volcanic soil.
🍏Apple season
Here are just a few popular apple varieties and their typical harvest seasons as shared by flavorycooking.com.
Early-season varieties: Apples that are ready to harvest in late summer to early fall, around August or September, include Paula Red, Zestar, and Ginger Gold.
Mid-season varieties: Apples that are ready to harvest in mid-to-late fall, around October or November, include Honeycrisp (my favorite!), Fuji, and Golden Delicious.
Late-season varieties: Apples that are ready to harvest in late fall to early winter, around November or December, include Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Cripps Pink (Pink Lady).
What’s your favorite kind of apple? Let me know in the comment section, I would love to hear from you!
🍎When is an apple ripe and ready to pick?
Here are some ways to tell if an apple is ripe and ready for picking brought to you by greenthumbdaily.com. Check for vibrant color, firm flesh, and a sweet aroma.
Start with the stem – The stem of a ripe apple twists off easily. If it resists, give it more time.
Do a taste test – A balance of sweet with a hint of tart means it’s ready.
Cut one open – Brown seeds and cream-colored flesh signal maturity. Underripe flesh looks greenish.
Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp keep well for months when refrigerated. Late-season apples like Pink Lady also hold their texture better than summer types. You can even freeze apples for later use! Slice them, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning, and store in airtight bags to keep them perfect for pies or sauces.
🍏Ways to enjoy apple season
What are some ways to enjoy apple season? Check out these ideas also brought to you by flavorycooking.com.
Visit a local orchard: Many orchards offer pick-your-own apple options.
Try a new variety: With so many apple varieties to choose from, why not try something new?
Make a delicious apple treat: From pies, crisps, crumbles and cobblers, to ciders, sauces and much more, you’re sure to discover an easy recipe to follow.
Attend an apple festival: Many towns and cities host apple festivals that celebrate the season with a variety of fun events.
🍎Scanning your apple purchases
Fruits and vegetables usually don’t have UPC barcodes. But, you can still report them! When buying apples, if there’s no barcode to scan, use the Non-Barcoded Items list in the NCPMobile app to report the purchase. Select the Fruit category, then select Apples. On the Item Details screen, enter the total amount you paid for the apples and if you received any type of promotion. If you use NCP’s handheld scanner, refer to the Barcode Reference Booklet.
I hope this season is the apple-solute best one yet!
Regards,
Taylor
More From NCP:
Fall’s Favorite Fruit
What’s in Season?
Leaping into Fall
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