Images Courtesy Brown's Orchards, Hollabaugh Orchards
Love tart flavors? There’s an apple for that. How about sweet and juicy? There’s an apple for that. With so many varieties within each orchard, a picky picker could pick a couple cultivars and call it a day, while a more intrepid individual could choose an all-encompassing range to really pamper the palate. With a seemingly endless array from which to select, the versatile apple has a variety for everyone.
It’s hard to believe that apples—the star of baked goods and popular lore, legends and literature—are indeed healthy, too. The famous adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” might not count as indisputable advice; however, the fruit does indeed pack a powerful punch. The antioxidants, flavonoids, fiber and vitamins create a powerhouse to fight multiple diseases, reduce inflammation and boost immunity. The only secret: don’t peel the apple if you want 100 percent of the nutrition.
With so many varieties and potential recipes to choose from, be sure to check the printed handout from Brown’s Orchards describing the flavors of each apple and suggestions about the best varieties to use for different purposes. Paulus Orchards explains their apples on their website and makes recommendations for each. Do not be afraid to ask questions at any orchard; all are in business to have happy customers and are willing to offer advice, recipes or, in some cases, even samples.
Get picking, get creative, enjoy some orchard entertainment—and don’t forget the cinnamon!
Brown’s Orchard
At Brown’s Orchards, pick apples through October by navigating their handy apple handout, which outlines each variety according to its level of tartness or sweetness and its best preparations. Starting September 16, wagon rides are available around the farm and to the apple trees, says Linda Gallagher. A farm market and cafe are also on site for lunch and for later.
8892 Susquehanna Trail S., Loganville, PA / brownsorchards.com / 717-428-2036
Forge Hill Orchards
Celebrating three-quarters of a century in York County, Forge Hill Orchards allows visitors to begin picking over 20 varieties of apples starting around mid-September. Their store, Stone Cottage Gifts, sells antiques, primitives, decorative items and natural food products. The orchard’s own fresh fruit is also for sale alongside locally sourced produce.
135 Blossom Dr., Mount Wolf, PA / forgehillorchards.com / 717-266-1206
Cherry Hill Orchard
The popular cherry and peach spot also lets customers fall for their apples. From as early as August to as late as November, over 20 varieties of apple hang from their trees. With a year-round outlet store, too, pick some days and others just grab some already picked apples and other seasonal produce and flowers.
400 Long Lane, Lancaster, PA / cherryhillorchards.com / 717-872-9311
Gray’s Apple Ridge Orchard
Pick your own apples September through November from dwarf trees low enough for children to reach. More than 10 varieties are available as well as fresh pressed cider starting in mid-September. Jams and freshly baked apple crisp on-site for purchase. Just add lunch or dinner!
144 Greble Road, Jonestown, PA / graysappleridge.com / 717-865-3997
Hollabaugh Bros., Inc.
Head out to Hollabaugh Bros. September 23 and 24 to celebrate Johnny Appleseed Weekend, a birthday event (his 243rd!) complete with free samples, activities and games, all while still basking in the fun of PYO apples. Adults can learn to cook with apples during a special class on September 14. Come hungry any other day, too, because the market offers baked-from-scratch treats, gourmet goodies, fresh produce and an ice cream shop boasting its newest creation: the apple cider donut milkshake.
545 Carlisle Road, Biglerville, PA / hollabaughbros.com / 717-677-8412
Paulus Orchard
There’s a heap of things to do at Paulus Orchard, from picking more than 20 varieties of apples, to taking fall farm tours, to Paulus Playland, a family-centered attraction with numerous outdoor activities. Karen Paulus says a change this year is that visitors can choose to pick as much as they want. Their website offers a helpful listing and description of available varieties.
522 E. Mt. Airy Road, Dillsburg, PA / paulusorchards.com / 717-432-2544
Strites’ Orchard
According to Jon Strite, his orchard will have apples “from Labor Day through Halloween,” with 11 different varieties to choose from. Over 100 years of family-owned farming have culminated in a thriving orchard and market plentiful with fresh produce, a CSA and local dairy products like cheese and eggs. Do not miss the baked goods, with pies sure to widen the eyes.
1000 Strites Road, Harrisburg, PA / stritesorchard.com / 717-564-3130
Sycamore Spring Orchard
Their retail market and bakery are known for the freshly made dumplings as well as other local goodies like honey and Pure PA Maple Syrup (good for topping apple breakfasts). Apples start mid-August and go through mid-October, says Linda Johnson. Hayrides also available by reservation.
1901 Thompson Ave., Jonestown, PA / sycamorespringorchard.com/contactus.html / 717-867-4389
