New England’s apple orchards today would have made Johnny Appleseed proud. While 2,500 varieties of the King of Fruit are grown throughout the U.S., more than 50 of them come from our very own backyards. Additionally, the Fruit Grower News reports that this year’s apple crop will be over 200 million bushels!
Picking apples:
Know which apples are ripe. Apples that are ready to be picked will be crisp and firm. Also, apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards its center.
Red Delicious apples are the first type to ripen. You can tell one is ripe when the center closet to the stem is green and no longer yellow. Also, it is a good idea to leave the stem on the apples; it helps them stay fresh longer!
Place them gently into the basket. You do not want your apples getting bruised. It makes them go bad more quickly.
Storing apples:
Keep them in a cool place. While a cold basement is ideal, a refrigerator’s fruit/vegetable drawer works well, too. Most apples can last for several weeks, but their shelf life can vary based upon their kind and how ripe they were when picked.
Wait to wash apples until just before you eat them. This will help them stay fresh longer.
Eating apples:
From apple strudel and apple crisp, to, of course, homemade apple pie, apples are arguably Americans’ favorite comfort food. Food Network is a great resource for lots of tasty (and healthy) apple recipes.
So, where should you go to pick your bushels of apples this season?
Apple Picking Boston provides maps, addresses and websites to apple orchards throughout Boston, Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Additionally, Yankee Magazine ranks some of the region’s best orchards.
Vargas & Vargas Insurance cares about protecting the community and its people every season of the year. Call and speak with one of their friendly agents today at 877-550-0025 to learn more about how they can help you get the coverage you deserve at a price you can afford.
