Steamy temperatures in recent weeks have meant breaking a sweat while picking a basket of ripe, juicy apples for some.
“Ninety degrees and apple picking, it’s crazy,” said Emma Peifer of Peifer Orchards.
Labor Day often signals the start of pick-your-own apple season in the area, but soaring temperatures and drought-like conditions sped up the process this year.
“We’re encouraging people not to wait to come out or there might not be many left,” Monnin said.
Gala, Cortland, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Golden and Red Delicious, just to name a few — many local orchards offer more than 20 varieties of apples over the course of the picking season. So, whether you are looking for sweet or tart, baking apples or a healthy snack, tasty options are plentiful.
“And you know you’re always going to get a quality product,” Monnin said.
Good tasting and good for, apple picking has benefits for the mind and body. Low-intensity exercise burns calories and can give your mood a boost. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is recommended by the American Heart Association to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels and researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that eating apples was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Spending time outdoors has also been shown to increase happiness and decrease stress. Beyond the science, apple picking is a fun family tradition.
“We have people coming out now whose grandparents brought them out when they were kids,” Monnin said. “It’s something they grew up doing and now want to continue with their grandkids.”
U-pick orchards
Monnin’s Fruit Farm: More than 20 varieties of U-pick apples available throughout the season at the family-owned farm that is in its 63rd year. 8201 Frederick Pike, Dayton. For updates visit the farm’s Facebook page, website monninsfruitfarm.com or call 937-890-4536
Peifer Orchards: U-Pick apples — 20 varieties throughout the season — available most weekends through October. 4590 U.S. 68 N., Yellow Springs. Call 937-767-2208 or visit peiferorchards.com for current crop reports
The Pink House Orchard: A variety of U-pick apples and hosting Apple Gathering Day festivities on Sept. 21. 5669 West Kessler-Cowlesville Road, West Milton. Visit thepinkhouseorchard.com or the orchard’s Facebook page for availability.
Tüken’s Orchard & Farm Market: Apple Picking Days run through mid-October with more than 30 varieties of apples. 15725 Eaton Pike, West Alexandria. Visit the orchard’s Facebook page for regular u-pick updates.
Wesler Orchards & Farm Market: U-pick apples are available through October at the family-owned orchard that has been operating since 1930. 9319 Wesler Road, New Paris. Visit https://weslerorchards.com and Facebook for updates or call 937-437-8921.
Irons Fruit Farm, in Lebanon, is not offering u-pick apples this year but has freshly picked apples and baked goods available in their store. Visit the farm’s Facebook page for information.
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