The apple picking season begins in late August and runs through October in the Mid-Atlantic region. There is nothing better than a crisp, juicy apple from the tree. There are many places near Washington DC to pick your own apples. Many of the farms in Maryland and Northern Virginia offer a selection of varieties and recipes for delicious desserts. Apple picking is a fun outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy.
The most popular local apple varieties
- Empire – Crispy and great for sandwiches, desserts, or salads.
- York – Crispy, firm and sour. Excellent to eat fresh
- Fuiji – Very firm and sweet.
- Gala – Sweet and very tasty. A favorite for sandwiches and salads.
- Jonathan: moderately sour. Excellent for snacks, salads and cooking.
- Ginger Gold – Sweet, juicy and firm.
- Golden Delicious – Sweet and smooth. Excellent for snacks, salads and cooking.
- Roma – Firm and slightly sour. Excellent for cooking
- Red Delicious – Sweet and juicy. A favorite for sandwiches and salads.
- Jonagold – Mix of Jonathon cake and Golden Delicious candy
- Stayman -Firm, rich flavor and smooth tart. Big all-purpose apple
- Mcintosh: juicy and slightly acidic. Great for eating fresh and cooking
Picking apples is easy. Most apple trees have low branches that are easy to reach. Choose apples that are firm and twist off the stem without pulling too hard. Keep apples fresh after harvest to increase their shelf life.
To find a convenient place to pick apples, see
- Choose your own farms in Maryland
- Choose your own farms in Northern Virginia
See Also, A Guide to Apple Festivals Near Washington DC
