Apple U-Pick Orchards in Augusta area of Maine in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
Androscoggin County
- Apple Ridge Farms - - Pick your own apples, cranberries
Perkins Ridge Road, Auburn, ME . Phone: 207-777-1696. Email: appleboy26@aol.net. Open: UPDATE for 2019, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were for ready-picked cranberries in the fall; September 1 to end of season (mid October); call for hours. Click here for a map and directions. , Fax 207-225-2790. Email . Very large apple orchards. kids will also love our farm animals. Open for ready-picked cranberries in the fall. Handicapped Accessible. Restrooms Available. Bus parking. One of the largest apple orchards in the state. Pick your own apples from our many varieties. The kids will also love our farm animals. - Benoit Orchard - pick your own apples or ready picked apples.
Ferry and Cotton Road, Lewiston, ME . Phone: 207-783-0875. Email: rber679451@aol.com. Open: August through November, daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Benoit Orchard. Fax: 207-786-4261. . Bring family and friends to the country for a day of fun. Picnic on the hill for a lovely view. We have pick your own apples, and carry fresh picked vegetables in season, fresh milk in glass bottles, Cheese curd, breads, fresh apple pies, maple products, cider, and fresh made donuts. - Berry Fruit Farm - strawberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and mixed vegetables, farm market, bakery
361 Crash Road, Livermore, ME 04253. Phone: 207 897 4767. Email: joel@berryfruitfarm.com. Open: Seasonally, see their website. Click here for a map and directions.
Berry Fruit Farm Facebook page. . joel@berryfruitfarm. combines homemade and homegrown products for a fun and wholesome customer experience. In our U-Pick fields you will find strawberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and mixed vegetables. Our retail store is open year around with a full time bakery staff making daily breads, pastry, and menu items in Livermore Falls. At Christmas, a classic Christmas "from the land where Christmas trees grow." This year pick up your Christmas tree and products that will make your season bright. offers the finest quality U-Pick and Retail. (ADDED: October 20, 2020, JBS) - Boothby's Orchard and Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties
366 Boothby Road, Livermore, ME 04253. Phone: 207-754-3500. Email: rboothby003@roadrunner.org. Open: mid August through October; Monday to Friday from noon to 6 pm; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10am to 5pm with free wagon rides. Directions: From Auburn: Go north on route 4 for about 25 miles. In Livermore turn right onto 108 east (not left onto 108 west towards Rumford). After turning right onto 108 east travel 1.5 miles Orchard on your left. From Farmington: Drive south on route 4 about 25 miles past Livermore Falls. In Livermore turn left onto 108 east drive about 1.5 miles orchard on your left. Or go past Norlands living History Institute until you meet 108 east and turn left Orchard on left about a half mile. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
Boothby's Orchard and Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 207-897-9938. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. - Gagnon Family Orchard - apples, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
75 Saunders Road, Greene, ME 04236. Phone: 207-576-0541. Email: GagnonFamilyOrchard@yahoo.com. Open: September 1 to Thanksgiving Fridays 11am to 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm. Directions: 75 Saunders Road Greene Maine 04236. Off of route 202/Main Street in Greene Maine. 3 Miles past Mardens take a left on Saunders road. Also a half mile from the Lewiston town line Welcome to Greene sign from Lewiston. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Easter Egg Hunt Saturday April 3 11am to 3pm Hot Apple Cider Donuts and Frozen Fresh Apple cider SundayS ONLY 10:30am to 1:30pm April 1 to September 1 Store Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday September 1 through Thanksgiving Haunted Hayrides and Dayrides Friday, Saturday, and Sundays starting October 1 to Halloween. - Ricker Hill Orchards - ORGANIC, apples, pumpkins, pumpkins, corn maze
Rte 117, Turner, ME . Phone: 207-225-3455. Email: apples@rickerhill.com. Open: 9 am to 6 pm daily. Click here for a map and directions. Toll free: 877-501-3640. Fax 207-225-2790. Email Handicapped Accessible. Restrooms Available. Bus parking. Pick Your Own Apples & Pumpkins, Pick your own season is from September through mid October. Come pick your own apples at Ricker Hill in Turner. There are a number of Varities to pick from IPM or Organic grown. We feature many activities at our farm including pick your own apples, a corn maze, disc golf, and more.. Our farm stand is full of wonderful apples and cranberries. School Tours & Bus Tours are always welcomed at our farm. We hope to see you here.In the Spring Maple Syrup & Sugar Shack: Saturday and Sunday on one weekend in March; 8 am- 6 pm, with a buffet style breakfast including crepes, freanch toast, bacon,eggs etc. Live boiling demonstrations with maple taffy on snow.Maple hard cider, fresh hot maple donuts made on site, maple ice cream and much more. We will be open for Maine Maple Weekend Farm tours, restrooms, handicapped accessible, school and bus tours. aturday & Sunday one weekend in March. Please call is at 225-5552 or 740-0693. (UPDATED: October 1, 2018, JBS)
Comments from a visitor on September 21, 2009: "My husband found in a Google search and we learned that it actually offered a lot, so we went. It was a great time and I wanted to see the listing changed to reflect what this PYO really offers. I know that they accept credit cards, but I do not know which ones. They offer organic apples, but I do not know what kind of certification they have." - Roberts' Orchard - apples, pears, peaches, plums, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, school tours
Poland Corner Road, Poland, ME 04274. Phone: 207-998-4183. Email: robertsorchard207@gmail.com. Open: Dates vary. Directions: From Route 26 in Poland, Maine, right onto Poland Corner Road, 1.3 miles on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
Roberts' Orchard Facebook page. . The storefront of the packing house sells the Roberts' fresh, hand-pressed apple cider as well as harvested apples and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The orchard harvests a variety of apples including: Macintosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Empire, Golden Delicious. - Shackley Hill Orchard - apples, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, face painting
Shackley Hill Road, Livermore, ME 04253. Phone: 207-491-8135. Open: Thursday to Monday from 9am to 5pm; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Directions: Shackley Hill Road is off Route 108 in Livermore. Signs are on Route 108. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . - Stukas Farms - apples
Ferry Road, Lewiston, ME . Phone: 207-786-2639. Email: pkapples@exploremaine.com. Open: call for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. . Email . Bring your family and friends to enjoy a ride into the country for a fun filled afternoon picking . Ready picked also available. Our own fresh pressed cider. No preservatives. - Wallingford's Fruit House - apples
1240 Perkins Ridge, Auburn, ME . Phone: 207-784-7958. Email: maineapples@adelphia.net. Open: fall, 7 days a week, 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
Wallingford's Fruit House Facebook page. . Email Start a family tradition! Grab your family and friends and come to our orchard to pick the freshest . Wagon rides on Saturdays and Sundays. Open Handicapped Accessible. Bus parking.
Kennebec County
- Bessey Ridge Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, blueberries, peaches, apples
359 Bessey Ridge Road, Albion, ME 04910. Phone: 207-509-0414. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ApplePay. . See Facebook page for current hours, usually from mid-July, taking COVID precautions, in 2022, Blueberries will be $5.00 per quart, available from mid-July to early September, peaches from mid-August to early September and apples from early September to early October. We use integrated pest management practices. Also fresh picked Apples, raspberries, Pears and Peaches!. (UPDATED: June 19, 2022) -
Chick's Apple and Berry Farm - apples, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises
571 Main Street, Monmouth, ME 04259. Phone: (207) 441-6250. Email: pumpkinpaul1@aol.com. Open: 7am to 7 pm, 7 days a week seasonally. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Please call for opening dates. Raspberries, July and September Blueberries, July, August and September Apples, September, October and November. Please call for opening dates. (UPDATED: August 06, 2021) - Kents Hill Orchard - apples, restrooms, picnic area
1625 Main Street, Kents Hill, ME 04355. Phone: (207) 713-3055. Email: wildcran@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 9am to 5pm September through October. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, ApplePay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
Kents Hill Orchard Facebook page. . We are a PYO apple farm. We are child friendly, dog friendly and have beautiful view of the western mountains of Maine. You pick or we pick - 10 varieties available as they mature. Bus parking. And they have a popular bakery. Home Delivery in 2020: Order freshly picked apples to be delivered directly to your door! (Only available within 20 miles of Kent's Hill) (UPDATED: September 14, 2020) - Lakeside Orchards and Farm Market - apples, Peas, Blueberries, and Pumpkins
318 Readfield Rd, Manchester, ME 04531. Phone: 207-622-2479. Email: applefarm@adelphia.net. Open: daily, 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: 1 mile from Manchester CenterWe specialize in Pick-Your-Own Apples, but we also provide opportunities to Pick-Your-Own Peas, Blueberries, and Pumpkins. We are currently expanding our acreage of several . Click here for a map and directions.
Lakeside Orchards and Farm Market Facebook page. . PYO on Saturday & Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm. crops that will enhance our Pick-Your-Own offerings for many years to come. Farm market: We sell a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Our primary crop is apples, but we also produce large amounts of blueberries, pumpkins, salad greens, and other vegetables. Also in our market you will find many food and non-food items produced in Maine, often by small-scale family-owned businesses. We are open year-round, and our offerings of fruits, vegetables, and other products change with each exciting season. Pick your own apples in season. Varieties include Paula Reds, McIntosh, Cortlands, Spartans, Mutsus, Macouns, Red and Golden Delicious. Tractor rides on weekends. In addition to all our apple products, you will find home-made jams and jellies of every description, pure natural local honey, maple syrup, scrumptious, home-made pies and breads, local vegetables and loads of country charm. We also invite you to stroll through the orchards, perhaps pick a peck or two of your own apples in season, or watch cider being pressed. Bring a picnic. It's a great family outing. Wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, (UPDATED: May 09, 2018, JBS) - Lemieux's Orchard - apples, pumpkins, corn maze, hay rides
Priest Hill Road, North Vassalboro, ME . Phone: 207-923-3518. Open: September and October, 10 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Lemieux's Orchard Fax. 207-873-4534. Enjoy a fun day at the orchard picking all the apples you want. Apples also available at farmstand until June. They offer hay rides in the fall, featuring their pair of black Persherons, and snow sleigh rides in winter. - Mt Nebo Orchards by Pine Bluff Farms - apples, pears, plums, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, porta-potties are available
339 Wings Mill Road, Mount Vernon, ME 04352. Phone: 207-242-8763. Email: sandiandjeff2000@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 6; Private events scheduled by appt only; We can do field trips too. Directions: Route 27n in Belgrade. Left on Route 135 (Manchester Road), Right onto Wings Mill Road and a couple miles on the right passed the dam. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . September and October. - Whit's Apples - apples
Case Road, Winthrop, ME . Phone: 207-395-4436. Email: whith@maine.edu. Open: early September through mid-October, 9 am to 5:30 pm. Directions: see signs on Route 202. We have had PYO apple sales for 43 years. Come and pick from early September to mid-October, or we will pick them for you. Visit our . Click here for a map and directions. . open-air market and make it a family outing and get together. Overlooking a wild life watershed. Handicapped Accessible.
Knox County
- Hardy Farms Apple Orchard - Pick your own apples; squash and pumpkins also available.
Church Street, Hope, ME . Phone: 207-763-3262. Email: tvhardy@tidewater.net. Open: Thursday, Friday and Saturday in September and October, 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM; be sure to call before you go. Directions: one half mile from Route 105.Look for ads in local newspapers. . Click here for a map and directions. . . Click here for a link to the Facebook page. (UPDATED: October 1, 2018, JBS) - Hope Orchards - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, pears, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, school tours
434 Camden Road, Hope, ME 04847. Phone: (207) 763-2824. Email: apples@hopeorchards.com. Open: Thursdays: noon to 5 pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: From Camden: Route 1 to Route 105 west, six miles to Hope Center. Orchard on left, across from Creative Paint Concepts and the Hope Town Office. From Union: Route 17 toward Rockland, left onto Route 235 (sign for Hope there). Drive 8 miles to Hope Center, turn right onto Route 105. Hope Orchard is on right, one quarter of a mile from corner. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Hope Orchards Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Paula Red Apples: September 9 to September 17 Ginger Gold Apples: September 9 to September 17 Mcintosh Apples: September 15 pm to 30 Cortland Apples: September 15 pm to 30 Crabapples (Hyslop): September 9 to 30 Empire Apples: September 29 - October 23 Macoun Apples: September 29 - October 23 Spartan Apples: October 6 to 23 Northern Spy Apples: October 6 to October 23 Golden Delicious Apples: October 13 pm to October 23 Red Delicious Apples: October 13 pm to October 23 Golden Russet Apples: October 28 to 30 Baldwin Apples: October 28 to 30 Tolman Sweet Apples: October 28 to 30 Bosc Pears: October 13 pm to 30 Spartlet Pears: September 29 to October 12. We use integrated pest management practices. At our farm stand we have: Apples, Pears, Fresh Pressed Cider, Dried Apples, Crab Apples, Pumpkins, Squash, Raspberries, Sparky's Honey, Maple Syrup and more!. (UPDATED: May 06, 2015, JBS) - School House Farm - strawberries, apples, peas (English), peas (Snap),
171 Atlantic Highway, Warren, ME 04864. Phone: 207-273-2440. Email: elenaburdina@gmail.com. Open: Starting Mid-September through October, 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . From SW 1.2mi on left after Rts. 90 & 1 intersection. From NE 2mi on Route after W/T bridge on Rte 1. Bus parking. 25 varieties of apples.
Lincoln County
- Bailey's Orchard - apples to pick
North Hunts Meadow Road, 2 miles off Rte 17, Whitefield, ME . Phone: 207-549-7680. Open: Pick your own apples starts Labor Day weekend and ends approximately late October; The barn and orchard are open seven days a week - rain or shine ;see website, as hours change throughout the season. Click here for a map and directions. . Orchard, started and run by the same family for over 50 years. Now run by 2nd and 3Road, generations. Over 50 varieties of throughout the season. Crabapples, apples, plums, pears, cider, pumpkins, squash, fudge and honey available for sale. Bus parking. We grow over 50 varieties of apples, 7 varieties of pears, 3 varieties of plums, crabapples, pumpkins squash and gourds. Our barn is open mid-August with early apples, plums, crabapples, honey and fudge. We have our own cider mill here at the farm where we press our own cider without any additives or preservatives. - Biscay Orchards - apples, flowers, pumpkins, gift shop, restrooms, school tours
650 Biscay Road, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Phone: (207) 563-3026. Email: marliesue@gmail.com. Open: 9 am to 5:30pm Daily Store Opens 3rd week in September and Cider and pumpkins start the first week in October. Directions: From Main St. Damariscotta turn onto the Biscay Road at the light near McDonalds. Travel 2 miles down and the orchard stand is located on your left just across from the beach at Biscay Pond. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Crops are usually available in September, October. has a variety of apples, un-pasteurized cider, jams, syrup, honey, Vermont Cheddar Cheese, flowers, pies, pumpkins, mums and lots of other seasonal goodies.. they also have pick-your-own throughout the season starting in September (varies a bit each year, usually mid September). - Clark's Cove Farm & Inn - apples, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
107 Ridge Road, Walpole, ME 04573. Phone: 207-563-8704. Email: clarkscovefarm@aol.com. Open: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: Business rte 1 in Damariscotta to Rte 129 south for 4.5 miles. Right on Ridge Road. 1/2 mile on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax: 207-563-6535. . Crops are usually available in September, October. - County Fair Farm - apples, pumpkins and flowers, maple syrup
Route 32, Jefferson, ME . Phone: 207-549-3536. Email: countyfair@gwi.net. Open: 10 am to 6 pm daily June through November. Click here for a map and directions. . We offer our own fresh produce, farm-raised meats, and maple syrup, as well as Maine products and more. We have a corn maze and offer pick-your-own apples and pumpkins with wagon rides in the fall. When the farm stand closes for the season, you can call us and leave a message to make an appointment to buy meat or maple syrup. Pick your own apples, pumpkins and flowers at our pondside garden. Fresh and beautiful. Weekend wagon rides to the Orchard, and pumpkin patch in season. Apples; September to mid-October, Pumpkins; October.
Sagadahoc County
- Daisychain Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, apples, raspberries (red), strawberries, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
102 Tufts Rd, Belfast, ME 04915. Phone: (207) 338-7839. Email: daisychain.farm@gmail.com. Open: Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 11 am. Directions: Tufts road is between Jessie Robbins and Edgecomb roads. Edgecomb road connects to route 52 and route 3. Jessie Robbins connects to route 3 and Back Belmont. Strawberries Late June through mid July; We do . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. open July 4th; Raspberries mid July through early August; Check website or call for this year's dates. We are certified organic for all crops! We also sell eggs at Bahner Farm on route 3 in Belmont Ask us about wholesale apples for hard cider. (ADDED: June 29, 2019) - Elwell Organic Fruit Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, cherries, chestnuts, pears, peaches, plums, restrooms, school tours
50 Elwell Road Off The Back Brooks Road In Monroe, Monroe, ME 04951. Phone: 207 525 3130. Email: elwellwatts@myfairpoint.net. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, August 1 to November 15; Call prior to confirm and update for availability. Directions: Off the Back Brooks Road in Monroe, 50 Elwell Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Elwell Organic Fruit Farm Alternate Phone: 930 5978. . Plums: Apricots: July; July to October; Apples August to November; Pears July to November; Peaches: July to October. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. (ADDED: August 27, 2015) - Hooper's - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, corn (sweet), pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises
856 Back Brooks Road, Monroe, ME 04951. Phone: 207-525-3236. Open: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm call ahead to schedule a group. Directions: From Belfast, take route 7 to brooks village and take a right on the Hall hill road, go 1 mile and bear left at Y onto back brooks road. We are 1.5 miles on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Hooper's is a family farm of 319 acres. We have 2000 dwarf and semi dwarf apple trees with 50 varieties. Main apple crop is Honeycrisp, Liberty, Zestar, Shizuka, Spigold, Jonamac, Cortland, Wolf river, Spigold, Crimsonking, Gala, Empire, Fuji, Gingergold, Pristine, St Edmunds pippin, Florina, Sweet 16, Ida red, Redfree, Williams pride, Williams early red. - Rocky Ridge Orchard and Bakery - apples, pumpkins
38 Rocky Ridge Lane, Bowdoin, ME 04287. Phone: 207-666-5786. Email: fsprague@suscom-maine.net. Directions: Located about 6 miles north of Mt. Click here for a map and directions. . Email . U-Pick Starting Sept. 6, seven days a week. Route 201 between 125 and 138 intersections; Exit 25 off I95. Handicapped Accessible. Restroom available. Bus parking. A country store with bakery, sandwiches, locally produced goods, and our own freshly pressed apples for cider. Pick your own pumpkins too. Apples - Macintosh, Cortland, also Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Crab Apples, Macoun, Red Free and many more Homemade breads and pastries, including whoopie pies, donuts, sticky buns and pies (apple, of course; strawberry-rhubarb and blueberry are other favorites!) Cote's Ice Cream, Smiling Hill Farm milk. Maine made products and produce, including Maine honey and maple syrup and our own handmade soaps and hand cream. Baked beans and cole slaw on Saturdays! Homemade Pickles. . Ararat High School on Route 201. Our location is handicapped accessible and has something for everyone. Starting right after Labor Day through October 31st, we invite you to come pick our many varieties of apples off the tree or already bagged in the store. We also have a great selection of pumpkins, squash, gourds, cornstalks, and hay. Homemade breads and pastries, including whoopie pies, donuts, bismarks, and pies (apple, of course; strawberry-rhubarb and blueberry are other favorites!) Deli sandwiches on homemade bread. Toot's Ice Cream. Smiling Hill Farm milk. Maine made products and produce, including Maine honey and maple syrup and our own handmade soaps and hand cream. Antiques. Morse's Sauerkraut and Pickles. (UPDATED: September 1, 2021, JBS) - Sewall Orchard - ORGANIC, apples,
259 Masalin Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849. Phone: (207) 763-3956. Email: sewall@midcoast.com. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 9:30 am to 4:30; During the weekend of the Common Ground Fair (3rd weekend of September) we are not open for business. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
Sewall Orchard Facebook page. . Maine's oldest operating organic orchard. Apple season usually starts the last week of September and continues until about the first part of November, weather dependent. Pick your own, watch our cider press working - You may pick your own apples, buy apples, cider and vinegar and see the cider press in operation if it is a day we are pressing. (UPDATED: August 08, 2016)
Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first. Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches. If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe
- Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
- Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
- For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
-
Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life. A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too. A refrigerator is fine for small
quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot
where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning
it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in
a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and
potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age,
potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster.
If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine.
Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples . See more here: How to store apples at home - Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!
Which apple variety is best?
There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:
- Summary table of many apple varieties and their characteristics
- Detailed descriptions of each apple variety with detailed characteristics
- Apple varieties, sorted by the order in which they typically ripe
- Apple varieties that don't turn brown when they are cut
- Why are some apples brown or spotted inside when you first cut them open?
Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions
- How to make applesauce
- How to make apple butter
- How to make apple jelly
- How to make apple pie filling (canned)
- How to can apples
- Home canned apple juice
Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions
- Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
- How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
- Apple cobbler
- Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
- Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
- Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
- Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)
Using fresh apples and miscellaneous
- How to stop cut apples from browning
- Apple festivals - find one near you!
- Apple facts
- Apple seeds and cyanide