Apple Season in BC & WA- A Guide to Apples

Apples are among the most versatile fruits that are grown today. Their beautiful colours and sweet flesh make them perfect for baking, munching on as they are, or slicing up and tossing into a smoothie! Since there are well over 3,000 kinds of apples, it can be a little overwhelming to try and understand how to harvest them, how to pick them, the best apples for cooking and baking, but don’t stress! This guide to apples focus is on the apples you can find in the British Columbia and Washington area. Find out the time of year apples are in season and also great tips for picking apples, too.

This guide includes tips for picking apples, tips for coring and peeling apples, a section on harvesting apples and storing apples, as well as an overview of the time of year apples are in season in the British Columbia and Washington area. Make sure you visit your local orchards this year to see all the different types of apples that are grown local to you. An apple is always a good choice!

What Kinds of Apples Are in the BC and WA Area?

Being one of the most wholesome and versatile fruits in the British Columbia and Washington area, it’s important to know which kinds of apples can be used for specific purposes. There are numerous apples popular to the BC and WA area during apple season, but before we get into the details of harvesting apples, let’s talk about the varieties popular to the British Columbia and Washington area. There are so many varieties of apples in Canada and the United States!

McIntosh Apples

Ideal for picking in early September, McIntosh apples are a widely known variety that offer a sweet, unique taste. Their soft skin and flesh make them great for turning into apple sauces or tossing into smoothies!

Ginger Gold Apples

Best harvested mid-August to late September in the BC area, these bright green, sometimes yellow apples are best eaten straight from purchase or harvest during apple season! They are sweet in taste and very juicy, making for a great summer treat! Try dipping them in caramel for an extra kick!

Gala Apples

Widely popular variety, the Gala apples are found in nearly any grocery store. They have a storage life of 3 and a half months if stored in natural air and provide a sweet taste and juicy flesh! Great for snacking or adding on top of fruit tarts and fresh desserts.

Sunrise Apples

With a short-lived harvest time and limited storage life, sunrise apples are best eaten at the peak of ripeness (mid-August). They are not ideal for use outside of being eaten as a delicious, sweet snack!

Honey Crisp

Known for their stripey yellow skin that peek through the bold red surface, honey crisp (or honeycrisp) apples are small in size but huge in flavour! These apples are crisp, juicy, and make fantastic additions to desserts or for turning into caramel apples!

Fuji Apples

Another apple ideal for eating as is, the fuji apple is extremely juicy, a little tart, but not enough to steer away its fans. The apple has a decent shelf life, but is best consumed quickly after harvesting. These make a healthy snack and I love picking them up fresh at the farmers market. If I had to pick, I would say these are my favourite apples.

Spartan Apples

One of the largest apple varieties on the market, Spartan apples are crisp on the outside and juicy with a soft flesh on the inside. They are sweet and make great options for turning into apple sauce.

Pink Lady Apples

One of the crispest varieties on the market, pink lady apples are small and pink/red in colour. They have a long shelf life and growing season, but are recommended for consumption pretty quickly after purchase/harvest.

Granny Smith Apples

The most well-known variety of apples, Granny’s are the most ideal option for turning into baked goods like pies or Bundt cakes. They also make excellent candidates for eating as is, but they are so large that it can be hard to consume in one sitting!

When Is Apple Blossom Season?

The ideal time to see those beautiful apples on local trees in the BC/WA area is going to be mid-august to mid-September. This is the time to break out that camera of yours (whether it be an iPhone or a DSLR) and show off your skills! Apple trees also make beautiful spots for couples to take adoring photos in the fall season!

When is Apple Picking Season in BC/WA?

For most varieties, apple season is between mid-August or late August to late September. There are a few apple varieties that will need to be harvested later or earlier, but the majority are ripe and ready in that 6-week time span! This is not to say that apples harvested at other times are going to be bad! However, if you want to pick fresh apples, it’s best to do it in their recommended harvesting times and with the following tips for picking apples in mind!

Tips for Picking Apples

Now that you know the time of year apples are in season, it’s time to learn about the proper way to start harvesting apples.

• Keep the stem intact if you can. The reason for this is because when you remove the stem, you let air in, and the rotting process immediately begins. Whereas that may take a while to ensue, by keeping the stem intact will help keep your apples fresh for as long as possible!
• If you do separate the apple from the stem, don’t panic, it’s okay! It happens to the best of us. Just consume them in the appropriate amount of time and all will be well!
• Ensure you understand the variety of apple you are picking before you pick it! By knowing the type of apples that the orchard grows, you’re more likely to know if the ones you are looking at are ready to be picked!
• Start on the outer branches. When picking apples, be sure to pick from the outside, inward. Apples on the outside ripen the quickest so you have the best shot at picking the perfect apple!
• Don’t shake! I know in all of the cute movies, you shake the apples off of the tree, but doing that will lead to bruises on the outside and inside, not very tasty!
• Make sure you are plucking ripe apples! Do so by viewing our guide to the local apple varieties above.

What is the Right Way to Pick an Apple from a Tree?

Before you go pulling apples off of their tree during apple season, you’ll want to be aware of the correct way to pluck them to preserve freshness, avoid damage, and ensure great tasting quality!

Follow this simple step by step guide to apples for plucking apples from their tree.

• Choose the apple that is ripe
• When you found an apple you like, gently grasp the apple with your hand
• Push the apple upwards
• Twist the apple slowly until it releases from the branch
• Place the apple gently in your basket

*Do not shake or pull downwards as these can cause bruising and damage to the apple!

Do Apples Ripen After Picking?

This depends on your definition of “ripen”. Apples release ethylene long after they’ve been picked, which makes them softer the longer they sit. So, to some people this means that they are continuing to ripen, however technically that’s not the case. Whereas the apple texture is changing the taste and flavor does not change after being picked!

If you enjoy a softer apple, you may benefit from allowing them to sit for longer in your fridge or on the counter. If you don’t, try to consume them before they continue the “ripening” process.

How Long Do Apples Last After Being Picked?

If you follow our tips for picking apples, you have the best shot at having apples that last numerous weeks. Pending the apple variety you plucked from the tree during apple season, most apples will last a few weeks in the fridge or on the countertop. Some varieties will last up to a month untreated; it just depends on the variety you are harvesting. It’s recommended to keep them in the fridge as this slows the aging process and keeps them at their optimal freshness.

Now, if you are getting your apples from the grocery store during off season (or any season), this isn’t to say that they aren’t ripe and ready to be eaten! Those apples are often kept in temperature-controlled environments so they will last longer than apples picked fresh from the tree.

How To Clean Apples Before Eating

Regardless of whether you are someone who enjoys harvesting apples from the fields during peak apple season or rummaging though their section of the grocery store, you should be cleaning your apples before you consume them. The reason for this is not only to get off any excess dirt and germs, but also to weed out any critters that may be on the skin of the apple that you cannot see! Before we can get into storing apples, follow this simple guide for how to clean your apples!

• Rinse your apples in cool/lukewarm water
• Set the apples in a large bowl
• Fill the bowl with water and a fruit/veggie cleaner (can be bought at the local grocery store). If you don’t own or can’t find a produce cleaner, you can use a splash of vinegar instead.
• Use your hands to gently brush the apples in the water.
• Let the apples soak for roughly 5-10 minutes
• After soaking, rinse the apples off in cold/lukewarm water
• Pat the apples dry!

What is the Best Way to Store Apples?

Probably one of the most important sections of this guide to apples, knowing the best way for storing apples is crucial to maintaining their healthy benefits, flavor, and texture! Pending the reason for use and time frame you intend to consume them you’ll want to store your apples accordingly.

The ideal way to store your apples regardless of intended use is whole, and in the refrigerator away from the harsh lightbulb (preferably in the “fruit” bin). However, you can store them on the countertop at room temperature in open air, just be sure they aren’t in direct sunlight as they will start to rot quicker!

If you’re looking to cut up your apples, that’s also an option. However, the moment open air hits the inside of your apples, they do start to brown so you’ll want to consume them quickly or cook them in a pie or tart.

When cutting the apples and storing them, try adding a splash of lemon juice on them as this acts as a natural preserver!

Apples you find in the store that are available year-round are likely kept in cold storage. While I prefer the freshest apples from my local apple growers, the sweet flavour and crisp texture of apples is one fruit that has many different varieties that store for long periods of time in the right controlled conditions.

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How Do I Keep My Apples Fresh for Longer?

There are numerous reason you may want to keep your apples fresh, such as for snacking, baking in a pie, saving for future use, etc. The ideal method is to keep them whole and stored in a cool (in temperature) location. However, using lemon juice is also an option for cut up apples as it acts as a preserver without interfering with the taste of the sweet and delicious fruit! It’s also recommended to keep the stem intact as this prevents oxidization.

Keep in mind it’s important to pick your apples during the time of year apples are in season as this provides peek ripeness and freshness. This will also make the coring and peeling apples process easier.

What is the Best Way to Peel and Core Apples?

Once you’ve picked your apples during apple season, it’s time to peel and core them. When coring and peeling apples for a baked good or even just cutting them up for a snack for you or your kids, you may find yourself with a bandage wrapped around your finger if you aren’t cutting up the apple properly.

There are several ways you core and peel an apple, but the most effective and efficient ways are mentioned in this guide to apples:

Coring

• Using an apple corer/slicer. There is a rough gadget sold in grocery stores today that you can place on the top of your apple, push the gadget down hard, and you end up with a cored apple that is cut into 6 -8 slices pending the gadget you purchased.
• Use an apple corer. Stores also sell apple corers that you push down into the apple and then pull back out with the core. Super simple and safe.
• If you do not own either of such gadgets, you can use a knife to core your apple, but move slowly and carefully as this can lead to injury. It is recommended to cut around the core by slicing four large sections of the apple and then tossing out the core.

Peeling

Once your apple has been cored and sliced, you can peel it if needed. The safest way to do so is by using this simple step by step method:

• Once sliced, pat the apple slices dry to avoid slipping during the peeling process
• Hold one apple slice in your non dominant hand and a knife in the other
• Using the knife, glide it slowly between the skin and the flesh of the apple
• Alternatively, you could use a spoon for this if the apple flesh is soft enough

If desired, you could also peel the apple before you core and slice it by using a potato peeler to remove the skin. However, this often takes longer than peeling them once they’ve been sliced, but it’s up to personal preference!

Tips For Buying the Best Apples

Now that you understand the importance of coring and peeling apples properly, let’s discuss some tips for buying the best apples in store. Coming down to personal preference, the apples you choose will depend on your intended way to use them. Are you going to munch on them on a hike? Do you want to recreate your grandmother’s apple pie recipe? This will determine the kind of apples you purchase during apple season as well as which specific apples of that variety that you buy!

• Check for soft spots. Soft, squishy spots on apples means there is bruising underneath that spot. Apples are very sensitive fruits, so they unfortunately bruise easily.
• Aim for the ones with the stem still attached. The inside of these apples have not been exposed to direct oxygen yet so they are not starting to over ripe compared to apples without the stem on.
• Know the apples you’re looking for. Each apple variety has its own ripeness factors, most of which can be determined by their coloring. You’ll want to be sure you know what color determines peak ripeness to insure the best tasting apple!
• Try to buy organic. Organic apples are not exposed to any preservatives, growth inhibitors, or pesticides most often. They also are usually not stored for excess amounts of time before hitting the market.

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What are the Best Apples for Cooking and Baking?

There are numerous desserts and savory dishes you can during apple season. Some examples included in this guide to apples are a mixed fruit tart with apple slices, a creamy apple tart, an apple cobbler, apple sauce, apple muffins, etc.

When deciding which apples to use for cooking and baking (not in a pie, that’s next!), you’ll want to determine what you want out of the dessert. For example, if you’re looking to prep apples for apple sauce, choosing a softer apple is likely your best option. However, if you’re looking to make a fancy apple tartlet, it’s recommended that you go with a mix of softer apples for the inside and crisper apples for the top.

Some of the best apples for cooking and baking include:

• Honey Crisp
• Pink Lady
• Fuji
• McIntosh

These apples have a crisper inside but respond well to heat so that they become a little softer when they are baked. The McIntosh apples are best for an applesauce recipe as they will break down the most!

What are the Best Apples for Apple Pie?

Apple pie is one of the oldest pie varieties to exist and ideal for baking during peak apple season. It is a staple in most households and should be treated as such! Making an apple pie comes down to a few key necessities: a good crust, lots of flavor, and crispy apples!

The best apples for cooking and baking into an apple pie include:

• Granny Smith
• Honey Crisp
• Pink Lady

*Quick tip* you’ll want to stay away from apples that get extremely soft when baked (such as McIntosh or golden delicious apples) as these will turn the inside of your apple pie into more of a mush than you’re likely looking for!

What are the Best Apples for Eating?

Pretty much any apple on the market is great for eating as is or paired with your favorite dips, but the real trick is determining what kind of apples you enjoy eating as is. This section of the guide to apples is all about the reason you may choose a specific apple.

Soft Apples

Apples with a softer skin and flesh include:

• Golden Delicious apples
• McIntosh apples
• Red Delicious apples
• Gala apples
• Fuji apples (pending ripeness)

Crisp Apples

Apples with a hard bite and crisper flesh include:

• Granny Smith apples
• Honey Crisp apples
• Pink Lady apples
• Fuji apples (pending ripeness)

Sweet Apples

Sweeter apples include:

• Gala apples
• Pink Lady apples (pending ripeness)
• Red Delicious apples
• Golden Delicious apples
• Fuji apples
• Honey Crisp apples

Tart Apples

Apples with a tart apple flavour include:

• Granny Smith apples
• Any green apple variety
• McIntosh apples
• Pink Lady apples (pending ripeness)

You may have to do some taste tests to determine which varieties you prefer!

What are the Benefits of Eating Apples?

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Apples contain several health benefits due to the vitamins and minerals found naturally in the skin and flesh of the fruit. They are particularly beneficial for your skin and gut health. They contain impressive amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B1/B2, potassium, and fibre. All of which are needed for a happy, healthy body!

What to Make With Lots of Apples

If you’ve gone apple picking and have an abundance of apples lying around that need to be used up, there are numerous ways you can do so! There are a multitude of ways to use apples, but there are the best uses, and it is easy to find apple recipes for popular apple varieties. There are endless recipes using apples and all you need to do is take this guide to apples and get to the local orchard!

• Make an apple pie
• Make an apple crumble
• Create some delicious caramel/chocolate covered apples or apple slices
• Bake an apple tart
• Make a raw fruit tart
• Bake apple bread or apple muffins
• Make apple chips!
• Make some quick and easy snacks!

Snacks to Make with Apples

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits. They go great with anything sweet or savoury, but we have a few recommendations for snacks to make with apples that are sure to please! The versatile apple makes a great snack!

• Slice them up and sprinkle some cinnamon on them for a sweet/savory flavor combo
• Dip apple slices into some caramel dip (you can even make your own dip if you’re feeling fancy!)
• Slice them thin and place them on top of rice cakes that have a thin layer of nut butter on them for something sweet
• Slice half of an apple and toss it into your morning smoothie!

What are Some Fun Facts About Apples?

A guide to apples just wouldn’t be complete without a few fun and interesting facts about this amazing fruit!

1. One bushel of apples weighs 42 pounds! That’s enough to make at least 20 apples pies!
2. 25% of your apple weight is actually air!
3. It takes 4 to 5 years for an apple tree to produce fruit.
4. These trees can live to be up to 100 years old!
5. One gallon of apple cider requires roughly 35 apples.
6. Most apples on the market today are still picked by hand.
7. On average, one person eats 65 apples in a year.

Now that you’ve read through this guide to apples and are well versed in the British Columbia and Washington area apples, it’s time to head out to your local orchard (or grocery store) and grab a few of these sweet apple treats! Be sure to use our tips for picking apples during the time of year apples are in season! Enjoy them baked in a pie with the best apples for cooking and baking, covered in caramel, or sliced and topped with some cinnamon! Whether popular apples or less common varieties, there is an apple for everyone.

Enjoy apple season! Let me know if there is anything that you would like to see added to this guide to apples. Go out to the orchard and pick some of the best apples for cooking and baking. Let me know what you make!