For Sweet Minnesota Apples – Now is the Time to Pick

One of the things that I love most about fall is going to apple orchards.  And I actually prefer it when it's a little on the cool side. Not so much that you need a heavy coat, but what I would call "hoodie weather".  Yes, I am also brought to the SNL skit "Sweater Weather".  

ORCHARD HUNTING

Anyway, it's so great to go out to some of the area orchards and pick some apples.  I do have some that I generally like, but it also depends on the time of year that you are wanting to get some apples.  Whether or not they are for eating or baking with, there are different times of the year when you can get what you'd like based on what you are trying to accomplish.

WHEN TO PICK FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Minnesota Grown has a great chart for apple picking.  If you would like more of a tart apple, try and pick your apples during the months of August and September.  If you would like an apple that is more of a combination between sweet and tart, then you would want to pick during the months of August, September and October and for a sweet apple, pick during the months of September and October.  Of course, it also depends on the apple itself.

If you are a person who likes to can your apples, or make sauces and pies, there is a great description on the Minnesota Grown site too.  They let you know what's best for what and when.  It's a really handy little guide.

ORCHARDS IN MINNESOTA

There are several Minnesota orchards around.  And some I really hadn't heard about at all.  You do still have a few weeks to enjoy this part of fall.  If you would like a directory for all of the orchards, please follow this link. 

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