Fall is the perfect time to enjoy one of nature’s most delightful activities—apple picking. The cooler weather and vibrant colors make for an ideal day outdoors, and nothing beats the satisfaction of harvesting your own apples and transforming them into mouth-watering treats. In Minnesota and North Dakota, several apple varieties thrive, each with unique flavor and texture, making apple picking an annual tradition for many families. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to popular local apple varieties, share some delicious recipes to make with your harvest, and provide a list of nearby orchards where you can experience apple picking firsthand.

Apple Varieties Perfect for Picking

When you’re out apple picking in Minnesota or North Dakota, knowing which varieties are best suited for eating, baking, or making cider is important. Here are some popular local varieties:

Honeycrisp

• Known for its crisp texture and perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, Honeycrisp apples are a local favorite and a staple of Minnesota apple orchards. They’re fantastic for eating fresh or using in baked goods like pies and crisps.

Haralson

• Haralson apples are smaller, tart, and firm, making them an excellent choice for baking pies and sauces. They hold up well during cooking and deliver a flavorful, tangy taste.

Zestar!

• This early-season apple is sweet with a hint of spice, making it perfect for snacking and baking. Zestar! apples are often available in early fall, giving you the chance to enjoy apple picking early in the season.

Sweet Sixteen

• With its unique, almost candy-like sweetness and hints of vanilla and spice, Sweet Sixteen apples are perfect for making applesauce or cider. They’re also great for eating fresh.

Apple Recipes to Try After Picking

After a day at the orchard, it’s time to put your fresh apples to good use. Here are three delicious apple recipes to celebrate the fruits of your labor.

Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Reduce the apple cider by simmering it in a small pan over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
3. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt) in a large bowl.
4. Mix the melted butter, sugars, egg, buttermilk, and reduced apple cider in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into the donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool before dusting with cinnamon sugar.

Savory Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Zestar!), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter one side of each bread slice.
2. On the unbuttered side, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
3. Layer apple slices and grated cheddar cheese between the bread slices (buttered sides facing out).
4. Grill the sandwich in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 apples (Haralson or Sweet Sixteen), peeled and chopped
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion until soft. Add the chopped apples and butternut squash, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
2. Add the vegetable broth, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the squash and apples are tender.
3. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Local Apple Orchards

Here’s a list of apple orchards within a 60-mile radius of each market where you can enjoy a fun day of apple picking:

1. Grand Forks, ND: Oxbow Orchards & Nursery
   • A family-friendly orchard located 46 minutes north in Grafton, ND, offers Zestar! apples. Check their Facebook page before visiting to make sure they haven’t run out of apples for the week! Visit Oxbow Orchards & Nursery
2. St. Cloud, MN: Collegeville Orchards
   • Just outside of St. Cloud, this orchard sells over 20 varieties of apples, including Honeycrisp and Haralson. Visit Collegeville Orchards
3. Detroit Lakes & Perham, MN: Toad Lake Apple Orchard
   • A scenic orchard not even 15 minutes away in Frazee offers plenty of apple varieties for your fall-picking needs. Visit Toad Lake Apple Orchard
4. Winona, MN: Ferguson’s Pepin Heights Store
   • The Pepin Heights Store in beautiful Lake City is just a 48 minute drive north of Winona. Although you can’t pick your own apples, this store has varieties of apples you can’t find at your local grocery store. Visit Ferguson’s Pepin Heights Store
5. Alexandria, MN: Country Blossom Farm
   • A beautiful orchard that offers U-Pick and a wide range of apple varieties perfect for baking or enjoying fresh. Visit Country Blossom Farm
6. Fergus Falls, MN: Rivers Bend Orchard
   • A small apple orchard that offers only a couple of varieties per year. Make sure you check their Facebook page beforehand to see if they have sold out of apples for the day. Visit Rivers Bend Orchard

Final Thoughts

Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity, offering a great way to enjoy the season’s beauty while gathering fresh, local produce. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie, crisp, or homemade applesauce, these apple recipes are a delicious way to use your orchard haul. Be sure to visit one of the local orchards mentioned for a fun day of picking, and enjoy the flavors of fall!

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