Apple picking season typically lasts from early September to late October. Apple picking is a great all-around family outing. Fresh air, a little exercise, a bit of a treasure hunt, and
bounty at the end. Whether you're looking for an orchard with all the bells and whistles or one with trees perfectly sized for the little ones, you can find it at one of Long Island's pick-your-own-apple farms. Be sure to call before going to ensure they're open (despite the days and hours listed below and on their web site) and that they've got enough fruit for picking that day.
bounty at the end. Whether you're looking for an orchard with all the bells and whistles or one with trees perfectly sized for the little ones, you can find it at one of Long Island's pick-your-own-apple farms. Be sure to call before going to ensure they're open (despite the days and hours listed below and on their web site) and that they've got enough fruit for picking that day.
Here are some tips to picking great apples. Select firm, bruise-free apples. The color can be anything from dark green, to yellow, pink, orange, bright red, dark red or even a combination. It all depends on the variety. Apples should be crisp and firm. Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches. Try to leave the stem on the apples. That helps them store longer!
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Lewin Farms
812 Sound Avenue, Wading River (631) 929-4327
This is the first pick your own orchard on Long Island. -
The Milk Pail Farmstand
50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill (631) 537-2565
This family owned farm has been farming for 12 generations. -
Wickham's Fruit Farm
28700 Route 25, Cutchogue (631) 734-6441
This is an historic, bicentennial farm, beautiful to behold against the sparkling waters of Peconic Bay. -
Seven Ponds Orchard
65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill (631) 726-8015
With more than 14 varieties of dwarf trees. It also offers red Radio Flyer wagons for you to carry your apples around in. -
Woodside Orchards
729 Main Road, Aquebogue (631) 722-5770
They grow 20 different varieties of apples on semi-dwarf trees. -
Fort Salonga Farm
30 Meadow Glen Road, Northport (631) 269-9666
This is the western most orchard on the Island. Great trees and less traffic. -
Davis Peach Farm
561 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River (631) 929-1115
Offering Long Islanders the freshest fruit for over 100 years. -
Hank's Pumpkintown
240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill (631) 726-4667
"The Apple Orchard" is a special place for families. -
Harbes Family Farm
715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck (631) 298-0800
This family friendly farm has u-pick apple orchards. -
Windy Acres
3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton (631) 727-4554
Pick apples on the farm with the windmill.
Let us know about your favorite u-pick apple orchard on Long Island.com Forum Please share your favorite apple recipes.
