With its delightful fall experiences, New Jersey offers families a unique and memorable activity: apple picking. As the crisp autumn air sets in, apple farms across the state come alive, welcoming families eager to pick fresh, delicious apples. But when is the best time for family apple picking in NJ? Let's explore the peak apple-picking season in New Jersey and the best times to pick specific varieties at family-friendly apple farms.
The Perfect Time for Apple Picking in New Jersey
The best time for apple picking in New Jersey generally falls between late August and mid-October. For those seeking the fullest trees with the ripest apples, the peak picking season is Labor Day weekend through mid-October. This is when the most extensive variety of apples is available, and many orchards are bustling with fall activities that make for a perfect family day out.
It's crucial to note that specific varieties of apples ripen at different times. If your family has a favorite type, planning your visit accordingly is critical to a satisfying apple-picking experience.
September: The Best Month for Family Apple Picking in NJ
September is the best month for apple picking in New Jersey. During this time, the trees are heavy with apples, offering families a wide selection of varieties. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for a day trip to an apple farm. Crowds tend to be smaller during the weekdays, especially after Labor Day, which is perfect for families looking for a more relaxed experience.
For families with young children, mid-September is an excellent time to visit as the trees are often at their fullest, and the temperatures are mild. This time also tends to coincide with the harvest of popular apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp and McIntosh.
What Are the Best Apple Varieties to Pick and When?
Not all apples ripen simultaneously, so planning your visit around your preferred variety is key to getting the best apples. Here are some of the most popular apple varieties and when you can expect them to be ripe.
- McIntosh Apples (Early September): One of the first varieties to ripen, McIntosh apples are known for their sweet-tart flavor. These are perfect for eating fresh or making applesauce and are often available for picking as early as Labor Day weekend.
- Honeycrisp Apples (Mid-September): Honeycrisp apples are a family favorite due to their perfect balance of sweetness and crispness. These are typically ripe by mid-September, and many apple farms in New Jersey showcase Honeycrisps as one of their top varieties for family apple picking.
- Cortland and Gala Apples (Mid to Late September): These two varieties are known for their versatility. Cortland apples are ideal for baking, while Gala apples are great for snacking. Both are ready for picking by late September.
- Golden Delicious and Red Delicious Apples (Late September to Early October): These classic varieties are available towards the end of September and into early October. Red Delicious apples are perfect for fresh eating, while Golden Delicious apples are ideal for snacking and baking.
- Fuji and Jonagold Apples (Early October): Fuji and Jonagold apples are usually ready by early October for those who prefer a later apple-picking adventure. Both varieties are known for their sweetness and are great for storage, so families can enjoy them for weeks after picking.
