What’s an orchard without some apple picking? With a rolling list of available varieties, there’s always something for the apple–lover at Center Grove Orchard. So stop on by, we’ve got fun by the bushelful!
READY FOR PICKING
Blondee | Cortland | Empire | Jonathan | McIntosh
U-Pick Sizes and Pricing
1/4-peck bag
3 pounds
$7.75
1/2-peck bag
6 pounds
$11.95
1-peck bag
12 pounds
$21.60
1/2-bushel bag
24 pounds
$38.50
1-bushel bag
48 pounds
$64.95
Purchase your U-Pick bags at the Country Corner located by the gates to the West Orchard.
Apples available for purchase in our store
Autumn Crisp | Cortland | Crimson Crisp | Empire | Golden Supreme | Honeycrisp | Jonathan | McIntosh
Apple Varieties
APPLE
FLAVOR
BEST FOR
SEASON*
+ Paula Red
Flavor: Tart, juicy, crisp white flesh, soften soon
Best For: Eating, applesauce (needs little or no sugar)
Season: August 10
+ Zestar!
Flavor: Sweet-tart, crisp, hint of brown sugar flavor
Best For: Fresh eating, cooking
Season: August 20
+ Red Free
Flavor: Tart
Best For: Baking
Season: August 25
+ Wolf River
Flavor: Mildly tart
Best For: Baking, sauce, drying
Season: August 25
+ Blondee
Flavor: Sweet, crunchy, nonbrowning flesh
Best For: Eating fresh, desserts
Season: September 1
+ Cortland
Flavor: Tart with a hint of sweet and tangy
Best For: Salads, kabobs, garnishes (cut fruit is slow to brown)
Season: September 1
+ Gala
Flavor: Crisp, firm, juicy, mild and sweet
Best For: Eating, salads
Season: September 1
+ McIntosh
Flavor: Tender, juicy, aromatic, tart-sweet
Best For: Eating, cooking (if using in pies, add more thickener)
Season: September 1
+ Golden Supreme
Flavor: Unique sweet, very firm with a hint of raspberry flavor
Best For: Eating, salads
Season: September 5
+ Daybreak Fuji
Flavor: Crisp, sweet
Best For: Eating fresh, salads
Season: September 10
+ Autumn Crisp
Flavor: Sweeter than it is tart, nonbrowning
Best For: Eating fresh
Season: September 10
+ Jonamac
Flavor: McIntosh-Jonathan cross, dessert apple, firm, crisp, tart
Best For: Eating, baking
Season: September 10
+ Crimson Crisp
Flavor: Very crisp, firm, tart
Best For: Eating, baking
Season: September 15
+ Honeycrisp
Flavor: Crisp, juicy, mild, honeyed flavor
Best For: Eating, salads, sauce-making
Season: September 20
+ Empire
Flavor: Sweet-tart, juicy cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh
Best For: Snacks, baking, cooking
Season: September 20
+ Jonathan
Flavor: Firm, spicy, sweet with a crisp snap, all-around good apple
Best For: Sauces, snacks, salads, pies, applesauce
Season: September 20
+ Snow Sweet
Flavor: Sweet taste with a slight tart balance, slow to brown when cut
Best For: Snacks, salads
Season: September 25
+ Cameo
Flavor: Firm, crisp, aromatic flavor, stores well
Best For: Eating, salads
Season: October 1
+ Golden Delicious
Flavor: Crisp, mild, sweet
Best For: Any use (when making pies, reduce the total sugar)
Season: October 1
+ Red Delicious
Flavor: Sweet, juicy
Best For: Eating, salads, not particularly suitable for cooking or baking
Season: October 1
+ Jonagold
Flavor: Crisp, juicy, sweet
Best For: Pies, baked desserts, sauces
Season: October 5
+ Lysgolden
Flavor: Crisp, mild, sweet
Best For: Eating, salads
Season: October 5
+ Mutsu
Flavor: Sweet-tart, distinct flavor
Best For: Eating, pies, salads
Season: October 10
+ Candy Crisp
Flavor: Uniquely juicy, pear like flavor
Best For: Eating fresh
Season: October 10
+ RJ Gold
Flavor: Sweet, large eating apple, similar to Golden Supreme
Best For: Snacks, salads
Season: October 15
+ Chieftain
Flavor: Sweet
Best For: Eating, sauces, pies, salads, baking
Season: October 20
+ Fuji
Flavor: Mild, sweet, juicy, firm
Best For: All uses, especially snacks
Season: October 25
+ Braeburn
Flavor: Sweet yet tart
Best For: Eating, salads, sauces
Season: October 25
+ Granny Smith
Flavor: Crisp, very tart
Best For: All uses, especially cakes, pies, applesauce
Season: November 1
*Season dates are approximate.
Follow Along
For a glimpse into the every day life at Center Grove Orchard, follow us on Instagram @CenterGroveOrchard
