Crisp air and apple fare are on the way!

Friday, September 11th, 2015

With the onset of fall approaching, we can’t help but think of changing leaves, crisp morning air, and the cozy feeling that comes with some hot apple cider. September is the beginning of the apple-picking season here in Minnesota, and we’ve found some great local options for you to pick fresh apples and other seasonal produce. Plus, many apple orchards offer fun activities for the whole family!

 

We listed a few of our favorite area orchards below. And don’t worry Florida friends, we didn’t forget about you! September in Florida brings on some wonderful produce as well. At the pick-your-own farms listed below, you can find wonderful items like watermelon, sweet corn, navel oranges, okra, cantaloupe, green beans, and ruby red grapefruit. If you visit one of our suggested farms or a favorite of your own, feel free to post a picture on our Facebook page!

 

 

Fun Apple Facts:

• There are 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world.
• Apple trees originated in an area between the Caspian and the Black Sea and were known to be one of the favorite fruits of ancient Greeks and Romans.
• An average-size apple contains 195 milligrams of potassium and 4.4 grams of fiber. It almost makes you wonder if the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is true!
• It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple, and an average apple tree, once harvested, will fill 20 boxes that weigh 42 pounds each!

 

 

Check out a local apple purveyor near you:

Historic Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest Apple Picking

8251 Old Highway 169 at Apple Lover’s Lane
Jordan, Minnesota 55352

Open 7 days per week. They offer hayrides, bonfires, live music, hot food, and other items to buy in addition to picking your favorite variety of apples.

http://minnesotaharvest.net/

 

Afton Apple Orchard

14421 So. 90th Street

Hastings, MN 55033

651-436-8385

Open 7 days per week offering hayrides, a corn maze, playground, petting zoo, gift shop, local honey for sale, jams, apple desserts, and much more!

http://www.aftonapple.com/index.html

 

Apple Jack Orchards

4875 4875 37th Street

SE, Delano MN

763-972-6673

Corn maze, wagon rides, jumping pillow, corn pit, cow train, apple cannon, pony rides, and a gift shop!

https://www.applejackorchards.com/

 

Hunsander Farms

5500 CR 675, Bradenton, FL 34211

U-pick Hotline: 941-331-1212

Open Monday – Saturday beginning at the end of September offers a gift shop, playground, petting zoo, and even an ice cream shop!

http://www.hunsaderfarms.com/

 

Plesscher Groves

3350 E. Hwy. 675

Bradenton, FL 34211

906-586-9722

This is more of a straightforward pick-your-own fruit and vegetables farm, but would still offer some great seasonal produce. And eating produce you picked yourself always tastes the best!

 

 

For some 17 delicious apple-based recipes, click here!

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