Apple picking season begins at Terhune Orchards

Pick-your-own apple season at Terhune Orchards has finally arrived along with the beginning of the school year. Join us for the season’s kickoff at our Van Kirk Road orchard on Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning on Saturday, Sept 10, the Van Kirk orchard will be open every day for apple picking, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, through October. Stop by to pick some fresh apples for dinner, snacks, and lunch boxes.

Jonamac and Jonathan apples are the first apples we have available for picking at Van Kirk. Just in time for going back to school, the Jonamac is perfect for packing lunches. With a thin skin it is a great way to get all the nutrition from an apple. For those that like to remove the skin, Jonamacs are easy to peel. They take just a few moments to cut into wedges for snack time at school or the office. They are also one of our favorites for making applesauce- another item that you can easily make at home and feel good about putting in your family’s lunchboxes.

The Jonathan is a wonderful apple for making pies. The flesh is crisp and mildly tart. They are also particularly excellent for eating fresh out of hand.

Stop by after school to pick your own apples for a scrumptious snack or to use our apples in your dinner that evening. We always love pork chops cooked with sliced apples.

Throughout the season a dozen varieties will be available for pick-your-own at the Van Kirk orchard. Depending when you visit, you may find trees loaded with Empire, Fuji, Macoun, Granny Smith and Red and Golden Delicious. Be on the lookout for our customers’ favorite apple, the Stayman Winesap. It is usually ready for picking in early October.

On weekend days throughout the fall, enjoy a wagon ride through the orchards, too. Once you’ve picked the perfect apples, stop in our farm store on Cold Soil Rd. for some of our favorite apple recipes and cooking tips from our knowledgeable staff. We also have cold apple cider and a fantastic selection of fresh fruits and vegetables grown right here on our farm and harvested the same day.