How ’Bout Them Apples?

More than 30 varieties grow in the Garden State—here’s where to find them and what to do with them.
Cheryl De Leon,
4 Apples

A crisp fall day at the orchard is a tradition we love—and there’s still plenty of time to pick your own (PYO) apples. Here in Bergen County, apple-picking season at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale has ended, but you still can pick up varieties at its farm store—as well as grab some donuts, cider and pumpkins. But don’t fret—there are other farms to visit!

Want to enjoy a mini road trip? In nearby Morristown, Wightman Farms offers PYO for folks looking for Braeburn, Fuji, Pink Lady, Rome and other varieties. Farm entry includes admission to the fall festival, which has unlimited hayrides, various mazes, games and more.

PYO opportunities are available across the border. In Pomona, New York, the Orchards of Concklin are open for pick-your-own apples on the weekends, starting at 11 a.m. Empire, Cortland and Macoun are just three of the types ripe in mid-to-late October. It will take about a half hour to drive there.

Dr. Davies Farm in Congers, New York, is open every day starting at 10 a.m. There, you can take a hayride, enjoy some cider and take your pick at several apple varieties: Red Delicious, Macoun, Crispin and Rome are among those ready to pick.

So after you’ve filled your basket with apples, the big question is: Now what?

Not all apples are created equal, and whether you’re making an apple skillet, baking a pie, pressing fresh cider or just looking for the perfect crunchy snack, the variety you choose matters. And there are plenty of varieties—more than 30 of them grow here in the Garden State.

We’ve put together a handy guide to help you pick the best apples (either at a pick-your-own farm or at a farmers’ market) for every fall craving—so you can put those hand-picked beauties to delicious use.

Best apples for baking

  • Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Winesap

Best apples for pie

  • Braeburn, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathan

Best apples for salads

  • Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady

Best applies for juicing

  • Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Pink Lady

Best apples for snacking

  • Cameo, Gala, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp

Show us your apple-picking photos! Remember to tag us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life