What do you think about when you hear the word “fall?” I don’t know about you, but I often imagine warm colors, cozy blankets, and the crisp bite of a juicy apple. Apples are the highlight of the autumn season; whether they’re from an orchard or an aesthetic picture on a friend’s Instagram story, there’s so much more to them than just being sweet and tart. So, how did apples become associated with the season, and what are some ways you can use them to make mouthwatering dishes?
It turns out, apples primarily ripen from late summer to early fall, and their harvest is celebrated through well-known traditions like autumn festivals, apple picking, and baking pie. Spending the day at an orchard has been an activity Americans have done since the 19th century! Although I haven’t been before, I can picture large clusters of families weaving in between branches laden with apples, with the children grabbing any apple they can reach. There are kids forcing their parents onto ladders to get the apple they’ve set their eyes on while they fight amongst themselves for the biggest and shiniest one. The chilly air filled with laughter and excitement, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the dauntingly heavy crates of freshly-picked apples makes the season that much more alive.
Beyond old outdoor traditions, apples have uses within the comfort of your own home. Instead of just tossing one into a lunch box, you could make apple fritters, apple cinnamon cider doughnuts, or apple butter bread—the possibilities are endless! But did you know that not all apples are great for baking? If you’re planning on making an apple pie, Granny Smith is your best bet because of their tart flavor and ability to stay firm in the oven. Honeycrisps and Fujis are great for just snacking on, and Galas can be mixed into salads, made into applesauce, or pressed into sparkling cider. And don’t forget about caramel apples—they’re an autumn staple!
This fall, don’t just buy a bag from the grocery store, go out and experience the world of apples! Visit an apple orchard (or two), sip on cider, and enjoy time with family. Every refreshing crunch into an apple will remind you to pause, live in the moment, and appreciate autumn while it lasts.
