Harvesting Empire Apples

Empire Apples Ready to Pick

Fall in New York Apple Country

Apples bruise easily and must be hand picked. Additional harvest workers are hired both locally and from other areas to help get the crop in on time. When picking begins around the end of August, there is a constant buzz of activity until the last of the fruit comes off near the end of October.

It is now the job of the farmers to market their fruit, either through their own farm store or packed and shipped fresh to supermarkets, restaurants, and schools nationwide and around the world. During the harvest season, some farms invite the public to come for the fun of picking their own apples.

Many apples are processed into sauce, pies, slices and dried snacks. Some apples are also pressed into fresh cider and processed apple juice. Certain apple varieties are designed specifically for this market.

With the harvest complete, it is time to prepare again for winter. Growing an apple takes all year, and there is always something going on in the orchard. If you look closely, you can even see the promise of next year’s crop in the bud at the top of each branch in the snow.

Click on the Season to learn more!