Picking the perfect apple
It is said that there is nothing more American than apple pie and now is the perfect season for just that. It's apple picking season in Sussex County and there are many pick your own orchards in the area to explore.
Tips for apple picking
Located in Glenwood, Pochuck Valley Farms is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for picking until Nov. 1.
"Wear sneakers or boots, dress in layers, and if you have children in strollers bring a large wheeled stroller, or a little tikes wagon," Pochuck Valley Farms owner Michelle Williams said.
Which apples to pick
When it comes to apple selection, Williams said Rhode Island Greening, Courtland, Winesap, Romes, Northern Spy and Mutsu apples work best.
With applesauce, she suggests Macintosh and Courtland apples.
"If you like sweet apples, go for Jonathan or Macouns," she said.
Tart apple lovers will prefer Rhode Island Greening apples or a Winesap.
At Windy Brow Farms, in Fredon, Jake Hunt said they grow more than 35 different apple varieties.
Week-to-week, they generally have five to six different varieties in their pick-your-own fields.
"We recommend people try something new," Hunt said. "Don't just stick to traditional Macintosh and Delicious varieties. We grow some really interesting heirloom apples as well as come great modern apples."
Weekend activities
Williams suggests visiting farms on the weekends because many have special events going on.
"You can see the baby piggies and enjoy the Kiddie Play Area by the outdoor BBQ and picnic area," said Williams of weekend events at Pochuck.
There are also places to eat inside or up at the orchard. Williams also said to leave pets at home as they aren't allowed in orchards.
A benefit of visiting Windy Brow is their homemade ice cream. Adding ice cream to the farm was Hunt's vision in college, and he was so successful at designing a business plan, that his parents — the farm owners — took a chance on his idea. Hunt took it and ran with it and now Windy Brow ice cream is known throughout the area and is featured at the weekly Sparta Farmer's Market.
"Right now one of our seasonal featured ice creams is Caramel Apple Cider Doughnut," he said.
It's made from Windy Brow's famous apples and cider doughnuts.