October is prime apple picking season in the Tri-State. Take advantage of this great opportunity to visit one of the many local apple orchards to pick your own apples. This outing is suitable for the entire family”adults pick off the tree and kids pick the low hanging fruit (which may mean off the ground for the littlest family members). Here is what you need to know before heading out to an orchard:
Be prepared
1. Wear layers of clothing
2. Wear shoes or boots rather than sandals
3. Bring a recyclable bag or basket for every participant
4. Gather some less-than-perfect apples to include the younger family members
Make the outing a “teachable moment”
5. Teach, in advance, the need to wash the apples before eating them
6. Discuss the story of Johnny Appleseed
7. Decide together ways you might prepare the apples then find recipes and cook/bake together
8. Share the health benefits of eating apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
Apples aren’t just tasty ““ they have fantastic health benefits:
- Regulate blood sugar – keep us from getting too energized or too tired
- Are a good source of dietary fiber – help us poop regularly
- Lower blood fats – are good for our heart
- Manage craving and hunger – help us feel full
- Contribute antioxidant benefits – help us fight illness
- Provide significant nutrition in the apple skin – the apple skin is like sunscreen for the apple and protects it from the sun
Enjoy!
