Pick the Perfect Apple
Apple picking is a fun activity that people of all ages can participate in. If this is your first time picking apples at Apple Holler, or even if you are a regular visitor who just needs to brush up on how to select the perfect apples, then read on as we share some of our favorite apple-picking tips with you.
Apple Holler is a working farm, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing. We also recommend wearing closed-toed shoes. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather report for Sturtevant, WI, and dress appropriately for the temperature.
When you arrive at Apple Holler, purchase your apple-picking bag first. With your bag in hand, head over to our wagon ride station to take the next wagon ride out to the orchard where you will find over 30,000 dwarf fruit trees. Dwarf trees make it easier for anyone to pick apples at Apple Holler, with many branches close to the ground. Even young children can get in on the adventure!
Once in the orchard, a guide will direct you to what’s available for picking. Make sure you only pick apples in designated rows because you don’t want to pick unripe apples mistakenly.
While in the orchard, we invite you to taste and eat as many apples as you like.
How to Pick an Apple
- Apples ripen from the outside of the tree to the trunk. If you are unsure of ripeness, stick to apples that are furthest from the base.
- Look for apples that are firm with no bruises or knicks. The right color depends on the variety. Ask an orchard employee if you are unsure.
- Ripe apples are firm and crisp to the touch.
- When you find an apple you like, lift the apple upwards and give it a little twist to release it from the tree. Don’t pull the fruit down or shake the branch. Keeping the stem on the fruit will help it last longer.
- Grasp the apple with the palm of your hand, rather than your fingers. The pressure applied by using your fingers can cause the apple to bruise.
- Apples come in all shades of reds, yellows, greens, and dual tones of these- so don’t just look for the red color to tell you an apple is ready for eating.
- Check the skin-it should be smooth and relatively bruise-free. Don’t pinch-you may bruise the apple!
- If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don’t shake or bend the branches, which could make apples fall or break the branch.
- If the apple you are trying to pick drops on the ground, go ahead and pick it up. The apple is fine! Do not pick up apples that are already lying on the ground, however.
- Never drop or throw apples into the bag. Place them gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly. Pretend that you are handling eggs.
- Please don’t shake (or climb) the apple trees; doing so can damage the tree and its ability to produce fruit the next year.
- Most important tip of all- Don’t forget to take lots of photos to capture all the great memories you will be making throughout the day.
