Apple Picking Northern California

The month of September is generally the best time of year to pick apples. While different varieties of apples ripen at different times, and the climate varies the harvest from year to year, early fall is almost always a reliable time for harvesting apples.

When can you pick apples in California?

Apple season runs from late August to early November, with 32 varieties of modern and heirloom apples. There are tons of other fall festivities available as well!

What orchards are in Northern California?

Here are the available options to pick your own apples in the Bay Area and Northern California.

• You pick apples at Chileno Valley Ranch.
• Clearview Organic Orchards. ...
• Gizdich Ranch has been operating in Watsonville, California for 84 years. ...
• Earthseed Farm. ...
• Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch. ...
• Lucky You Orchards. ...
• Apple Hill.

How long is apple picking season in California?

Apples should be harvested between August and December and are typically in-season throughout the year, with a slight dip in availability and quality in the springtime. Watermelons are harvested from June through September; this seasonal produce in California is best consumed in the summer and fall.

Is October too late to pick apples?

Some types of apples are ready to harvest as early as July, while others develop their best flavor during the frosty days of autumn, ripening in October or November.

Is October a good month for apple picking?

The apple varieties available for picking, as well as the peak time for apple picking season, will depend on where you live. But for the most part, September to early October is prime picking season.

What apples are in season right now?

Gala, Macoun and McIntosh ones are ready to go in September, so start stocking up now. Gala apples are sweet with a reddish-orange and yellow-striped skin. Deep red and golden Macoun apples have a sweeter, tarter flavor; because they're very juicy, they're great for applesauce.

Is apple picking a thing in California?

And a small California farm is one of the best places for apple picking nationwide, according to Yelp's list of the “top 25 apple picking spots in the U.S.” Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard in Oak Glen is a 3-acre micro farm with an heirloom apple orchard, berry patches, flower fields and gardens.

Is it too early to pick apples?

Apples are ready when the skin colour deepens. Fruits at the sides and top of the tree usually ripen first because they receive more sunlight. Ripe fruits should easily come away from the tree, while the presence of windfalls is a sure sign you can start harvesting.

What is Northern California most known for?

Northern California is known for its rugged coastline, redwood trees, and the Golden Gate Bridge. South Lake Tahoe and Yosemite are also popular Northern California destinations.

What is the biggest cash crop in California?

Over a third of the country's vegetables and three-quarters of the country's fruits and nuts are grown in California. California's top 10 valued commodities for the 2021 crop year are: Dairy Products, Milk — $7.57 billion. Grapes — $5.23 billion. Almonds — $5.03 billion.

What apples grow in Northern California?

Apples that are well adapted to the Bay Area include the Fuji and Gala varieties. These trees prefer moist, well-drained soil with lots of sun. A cool climate is needed for good coloration and the production of fruit. Winter chilling requirements are between 1200–1500 hours below 45°F.

What fruit is currently in season in California?

CROP	MONTH
Cherries (more detail)	May 5 - June 30
Apricots	May 10 to August 15
Peaches	May 20 - September 5
Nectarines	May 20 - September 15

What fruit is in season in October in California?

Fruits: persimmon, chestnut, apple, pomegranate, fig, plum, grape, prickly pear, pineapple, winter cherry, banana, carob, sorb, arbutus.

Where in California do apples grow?

Important coastal apple producing counties are Sonoma in the North Coast, and Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo in the Central Coast region. However the major apple production areas are now in the San Joaquin Valley with Kern, Fresno, San Joaquin, and Madera counties being the leading producers (3).

Are apples good in November?

Apples: Upward of 2,500 varieties of apples grow in the United States, and their flavors range from tart to tangy to sweet. Although picking season is often early fall, most types are still fresh and available in November. Try Macoun, Red Delicious, or a Gala, or opt for a green Granny Smith or Pippin.

Do apples get sweeter after picking?

Unlike some fruits, apples continue to ripen long after they are picked off the tree. This ripening (or over-ripening affects the texture not the taste of the fruit. (ie. They won't get sweeter just softer).

When should you stop eating an apple?

It's best to discard apples that are soft or show other physical signs of expiration, as moisture content under the skin can indicate contamination (5). You can usually tell whether an apple has started to go bad by examining its appearance. Apples that have gone bad should be discarded.

What should I wear apple picking in September?

I love dressing for the occasion as a way to welcome fall and apple season. If you're wondering what to wear, look to flannels and plaids, macintosh red and granny smith green, and cozy cardigans and knits. The orchard can be chilly and dewy first thing in the morning, so pack an extra layer for warmth.

Are apples ready to pick in September?

Apples ripen at different times, depending on the variety. There are early, mid, and late varieties. September is typically the best time to pick apples, and generally, they should be harvested between late summer and late October.