From the beautiful, sprawling orchards to the intoxicating scent of fresh, crisp apples in the air, New Hampshire is a haven for apple enthusiasts. With its fertile soils and favorable climate, the state boasts an abundance of apple varieties that ripen at various times throughout the year. This exploration is dedicated to equipping you with profound insights on apple picking in New Hampshire – including the optimal season for picking, notable orchards to explore, and the appropriate techniques to ensure the longevity of the fruit and trees.
Understanding the right season for apple picking
Unveiling the Ideal Time to Harvest Apples in New Hampshire: A Family-Friendly Adventure
“Oh, how time flies!” You might hear it almost every day, especially when you glance over during dinner to see your kids growing taller and smiling wider with each passing day. Amidst the daily hustle and bustle of parenting and homemaking, finding enjoyable family activities can sometimes be a challenge, and it’s always exhilarating to add a new adventure to the mix. One such magical thrill that can unite the whole family is the classic tradition of apple picking. Especially when you live in New Hampshire, knowing the best time to pick apples can maximize your fruit harvesting experience.
In New Hampshire, the apple harvest typically occurs from mid-August through October. Of course, New Hampshire’s varied climate and diverse apple varieties may shift this timeline slightly.
Launch into this adventure by starting off the apple picking season in mid-Augland, when early varieties like the zesty Ginger Gold and the sweet Paula Red start to reach their peak. The shared experience of walking through the orchard, basket in hand, and picking these fresh, ripe apples is an incredible bonding moment. It helps teach your little ones about nature’s rhythms while enjoying delicious fruit.
As the eager anticipation of fall’s arrival sets in, September offers a bounty of apple goodness. This is the high time to find McIntosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp apples ripe for picking. These varieties are a favorite among kids for their fresh, juicy crunch. Whether you’re planning a scenic picnic in the orchards or a cozy evening of apple pie baking at home, September ushers in the flavors and aromas of New England’s apple season.
Transitioning to October, we welcome New Hampshire’s late-harvest apple varieties. Luxurious Rome, crisp Fuji, and versatile Golden Delicious are traditionally harvested throughout this month. This is the perfect time to engage the kids in creating heartwarming autumn dishes and homemade apple goodies. The outdoors are still welcoming and the apples are still plenty, making the wonders of apple picking visible to the eyes and tasty to the tongues.
So if you’re in New Hampshire, these are broadly the best times to pick apples. However, bear in mind that nature dances to its own, unpredictable rhythm. Factors such as the specific year’s weather and the location of the orchard may cause variations in the harvest times. As such, it’s always wise to call your chosen orchard ahead of time or check their website for the most accurate information.
As you embark on this delightful family journey, remember that apple picking is more than a mere task. It’s an experience that shares the beauty of mother nature, the joy of family bonding, and the wholesome pleasure of picking and tasting your own fresh produce.
No matter what apple variety you fancy, the adventure of apple picking in New Hampshire has something for every family member. So grab those baskets, pull on your boots, and let’s welcome the apple season together, as a community, as a family. Enjoy the harvest!
Finding the best apple orchards in NH
The Prime Apple Orchards in NH for Fruitful Family Fun
After learning about the tradition of apple picking as a valuable family experience and the diverse apple varieties available during the harvest season from mid-August through October, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Where are the best apple orchards in New Hampshire for this classic fall activity? Here are our top recommendations.
1. Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole
A crown jewel of the southwest New Hampshire, Alyson’s Orchard spans over 450 acres, boasting plenty of pick-your-own apple choices. It offers over 50 varieties throughout the season, including rare gems. With its scenic views and laid-back atmosphere, this orchard is the perfect spot for family outing.
2. Apple Hill Farm, Concord
Situated in the heart of the state, Apple Hill Farm provides a memorable fall experience. This family-owned enterprise grows multiple apple varieties, from McIntosh to Golden Delicious. The farm speaks volumes of New Hampshire’s rural charm, resonating with families who relish the countryside.
3. Mack’s Apples, Londonderry
A longstanding local favorite, Mack’s Apples in Londonderry is an 8th generation family-run orchard. They offer a delightful array of apple varieties that change as the seasons progress, alongside baked goodies, pumpkins, and corn maze fun.
4. Carter Hill Orchard, Concord
Another fantastic spot in the state capital, Carter Hill Orchard is known for its extensive apple picking options. Aside from apple picking, the farm also provides view-enhancing amenities like a tower to gaze out over the orchard or the distant mountain peaks.
5. Poverty Lane Orchards, Lebanon
This fruit-rich destination is famous for its traditional and antique apple breeds. The proprietors at Poverty Lane Orchard propagate heirloom apples for hard cider, but many tasty varieties are waiting to be picked for your family’s apple pies and other autumn treats.
Each of these places captures the spirit of New Hampshire’s apple season, providing a chance for families to bond while engaged in this fun, outdoor activity. Remember to respect the farm rules, enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you, and savor the fruits of your family’s labor. Enjoy your apple picking adventure in New Hampshire!
Proper apple picking techniques
Now that you’ve decided on your apple picking destination and found the perfect time to go, you’re probably excited to fill your baskets with beautifully ripened apples. But how exactly do you pick an apple without harming it or the tree? Here are some simple yet important tips.
The technique is simple: an easy twist-and-pull motion is usually enough to detach the apple from the tree. Start by placing the apple in your hand, then twist the fruit upward with a gentle motion. The apple should easily come away from the branch. Try to avoid yanking or pulling directly downwards, as this can cause needless damage to the branch and the tree itself. The motto here is ‘twist not pull.’
It’s also a good idea to handle the fruit gently once it’s off the tree. Remember that softly picked apples will stay bruise-free and fresh longer. So, during your apple picking adventure, consider your basket as a cradle rather than a dumping ground. Lightly place the apples into the basket rather than dropping or tossing them.
Picking from the outside of the tree is usually the best approach. Apples ripen from the outside in, the apples easiest to reach are typically the ripest. Trees distribute nutrients outward from their core, so the apples on the periphery ripen first. Moreover, these are also the most sunlight-exposed fruits, which aids in their ripening process.
Apple picking should also be a mindful experience. Don’t just grab any apple that you see. Look for the ones that are brightly colored, and avoid those with bruises or visible wormholes. Remember, just like people, the best apples are often not the biggest or most perfect-looking ones, but those picked with love and care. You can trust your senses here – a ripe apple will have a rich, sweet, and fruity smell.
Try not to touch or shake any apples you’re not planning on picking. It might be tempting to give a tree a merry shake or jostle, but this can lead to unripe apples falling and getting damaged.
Making all these efforts might seem too much for simply “picking an apple”, but it’s all a part of the experience that we as parents are providing our family. Teaching our children how to pick an apple correctly is more than just an action; it’s a demonstration of respect for nature’s bounties, patience, and carefulness. And in return, nature blesses us with its sweet and beautiful fruit.
Happy apple picking! It’s not just about bringing home a bag full of apples. It’s about the memories made, the lessons learned, and the family tradition that’s being passed down through the generations. Enjoy.
So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, a seasoned picker or a beginner, the world of apple picking in New Hampshire is sure to offer an enriching experience. The diversity and abundance of apple varieties, the picturesque beauty of the landscapes, and the joy of picking your fruit directly from the tree are unparalleled. As long as one picks them correctly and at the right time, the apples will provide fresh, delicious treats for days, if not weeks. Best of all, the knowledge you gain and the memories you make during these apple picking adventures can last a lifetime.
