Your Apple Picking Guide

 October is apple picking season.The weather is cooler.The skies are bright. Time to get a basket and go a picking. 

The first aspect to consider is how to dress. Wear comfortable clothes.Jeans and sweats are fine as are sneakers,Crocs and light socks. It's still summery out during the afternoon hours so you want to dress comfortably.Wear a tee shirt but have a hoodie on  hand in case the temps  drop. Even thought it is October, the suns rays are still strong.Bring a hat (like a bucket one) along with  sun screen and lip balm. Sunglasses are always a good choice too.A lot for farms won;t let you sneak an apple to eat so bring something like a sandwich or peanut butter sandwich crackers. Some farms like Delociois Orchards n Colt's Neck, New Jeresey offers hot dogs and hamburgers along with fries and chilled apple cider.Other farms will probably have food trucks in their parking lots too. You can bring water though if you get thirsty(although most farms also sell bottles.)What about baskets? Most places will provide with you one so you don;t over pick.

What apples are ripe for the picking right now. That actually depends on where you are. It is Red Delicious season no matter where you are These are mildly sweet and perfect for snacking..Some trees are producing the glossy red Idared, an apple with a tart slightly sweet flavor.These would be perfect for caramel or candy apples because the tartness is a perfect foil for the sweet covering.Another ruby red gem is the Cortland apple.Its' flavor is also tarty and fruity but also has a berry like finish.Try it thickly sliced in salads or slaws for a different spin.Other red skinned apples are the Mcintosh and the Empire.Both of these are refreshingly tart and make for a refreshing dessert.The bright yellow Golden Delicious is a different take on the fruit. It's flavor is very milk with almost a honey like sweetness with subtle floral undertones. These are a top choice for pies and sauces.There is also the green Crispin that have a combination of zestiness and honey sweetness to them.

It's apple picking season.Go out and harvest a basket or two. Then enjoy the varieties , whether sliced, candied or baked in  a pie.