"The Hudson Valley's Community Connection"
Apple Picking Tips
- Always select firm, bruise-free apples- they are the freshest
- Color is not how you tell when an apple is ripe; each variety of apples will look quite different! Apples should be crisp and firm
- Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first
- To properly pick the apple, roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree
- If possible, leave the stem on the apples- it helps them stay fresh longer
- Don't throw just-picked apples into your bag or basket, but instead
place them gently as to avoid bruising and spoiling
- Don't wash apples until just before using
- Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life- storing them in a cool, dry cellar is ideal, however, a fruit drawer in a fridge works as well
- Never freeze your apples or let them get too cold- freezing ruptures all of the apple's cells, turning it into one large bruise overnight
- High humidity helps keep apples from shriveling, but don't let them get actually wet- a damp towel placed nearby works
- Apples and potatoes should never be stored in the same room- over time, potatoes release a gas that makes apples spoil faster
Types of Apples
Red delicious- The most popular type in the US, this apple is best eaten raw- cooking causes this variety to disintegrate, creating a bad texture and losing most of its flavor
Golden Delicious- This all-purpose apple is perfect for eating raw, baking, cooking, and mashing into applesauce!
Gala- These crispy and juicy apples are very sweet, making them the perfect snack
Fuji- Apples of this variety are crisper and sweeter than most other types, and they have a very long shelf life- properly refrigerated ones can last up to six months!
Granny Smith- These bright green apples are great for any purpose, and they pack a tart flavor with a crispy texture
Jonagold- Suitable for eating raw or cooked, these apples have a honey-tart flavor and almost yellow flesh
McIntosh- Although these bruise more easily than other types of apples, McIntosh apples are juicy, slightly tart, and have a perfectly smooth texture that makes them great for snacking or baking
Rome Beauty- These apples are used best for cooking because their texture is a bit too mealy and their flavor is a bit bland for eating raw
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Hudson Valley
Apple Orchards
The Hudson Valley is home to many beautiful farms and Apple Orchards offering a wide variety of fun Fall experiences including Apple Picking, Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maze, Halloween Fun, Hayrides and delicious prepared baked goods and food items.
Rockland
•Dr. Davies Farm-- Dr. Davies is favorite among locals. Open every day from 10AM- 4:30PM. 306 Route 304 Congers, NY 10920 (845)-268-7020
•Orchards of Concklin-- This farm was established in 1712, making it one of the oldest in the Hudson Valley. Pick your own produce is available Weekends from 9AM - 5PM. Try their delicious Apple Cider Donuts. Rte 45 & South Mountain Rd Pomona, NY (845) 354-0369
Westchester
•Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm-- Wilkens offers apple picking through the end of October, and pumpkin picking until the end of Sept. There are Hayrides to and from the orchard.1313 White Hill Road Yorktown Heights, NY (914) 245-5111
Dutchess County
•Barton Orchards-- Barton’s is excellent for children, possessing a children’s playground, a corn maze, a haunted house, hay rides, and gemstone mining. Open 9AM-5PM. 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag, NY 12570 (845)227-2306
•Greig Farm-- Also the home of Alison Winery, part of the Duchess Wine Trail. Offers apples, red and yellow raspberries and pumpkins. Open Mon-Sun 9AM-6PM. 223 Pitcher Lane Red Hook, NY (845)758-1234
Orange County
•Applewood Winery-- Pick your own orchard as well as a winery. Live music and wagon rides on weekends. Open Fri.- Sun. 11AM- 5PM. 82 Four Corners Road Warwick NY 10990 (845) 988-9292
•Lawrence Farms Orchards-- Offers fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, corn, grapes, tomatoes and pumpkins. Frozen Ridge Road Newburgh, NY 845.562.4268
•Masker Orchards-- Open 9AM- 5PM. Pony and hay rides available on weekends. Discounts available on website. 45 Ball Road Warwick, NY 10990 (845)986.1058
•Ochs Orchard-- Apple and pumpkin picking, petting zoo and a glass enclosed working beehive. 4 Ochs Lane Warwick, NY 10990 (845)986-1591
Ulster County
•Minard Farms-- Apple picking, hayrides and interesting homemade items such as pear cider, homemade soap, and cider donuts. 250 Hurds Road Clintondale, New York 12515 (866) 632-7753
•Weed Orchards-- Weed Orchards offers pick your own apples, pumpkins, grape, tomatoes, pumpkins, and others. Calling their harvest festival “Weedstock,” they have live music, a petting zoo, and hay rides. Excellent for kids. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat- Sun 9AM-5PM. 43 Mt. Zion Road Marlboro, NY 12542 (845)236-2684
•Prospect Hill Orchards--Prospect Hill is on its seventh generation of the original farmers. Uses “Integrated Pest Management,” which means much lower pesticide use than most orchards. Open Sat-Sun 9AM-4PM. 40 Clark’s Lane Milton, NY 12547 (845)795-2383
•DuBois Farms-- small, local farm with pick your own apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, grapes, tomatoes, and pumpkins; also offering a corn maze, wagon rides, petting zoo, lunch, bakery, fun for kids, and more. Open Sept. Sat & Sun, Oct. everyday 10am-5pm. 209 Perkinsville Rd Highland, NY 12528 (845)795-4037
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