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Although most people don’t really associate apple picking and apple harvest activities with Arizona, the climate in parts of our state is actually almost perfect for apples.  Local growers across the state produce more than 17 million pounds of apples each year which means your family doesn’t have to travel to another state to spend a weekend apple picking.

Our apple harvest starts in August and runs all the way through to October.  The sunny days and cooler nights of autumn are just what apples need to ripen up and be ready to pick.  No matter where you are in the state, it’s likely there is an orchard near enough to do this activity as a day trip.  From the Southeastern part of the state, which is home to most of Arizona’s commercial apple orchards, to Oak Creek Canyon to the Superstition Mountains, opportunities to participate in apple picking abound.  So grab a basket and let’s get to picking.

If you have never been apple picking before or if it’s been a long time since you last found yourself amongst the trees of an orchard, you may be wondering what you are supposed to do with all those apples.  The real question, however, may be, what can’t you do with all those apples.  Picking apples is fun, but the number of family friendly activities that can also be part of your apple picking experience are almost endless.  Here are some fun things to do with all those apples.

Apples Aren’t Just for Eating

Apples make great materials for a variety of crafty projects.  This can be a fun way to expand your family friendly outing into fun family time.  Cutting and carving your apples into interesting shapes can lead to amazing art work.  Think of the apple like a rubber stamp you buy at the craft store that you get to design yourself.  Cut the apple into the shape you want, dip it in some paint and then press it onto your paper.  Use different cut-outs and different colors to create one-of-a-kind prints perfect for framing or passing on to grandparents.

An Apple a Day

They do say that an apple a day helps keep the doctor away but that doesn’t mean you have to grab one and bite into it to get the benefits.  One of the best things about going apple picking is all the apple based treats you can make in your own kitchen.  From apple pie to apple sauce and everything apple in between, picking apples gives you a great opportunity to add more fruit to your daily diet.   Apples, in almost all their forms, also make great snacks for kids.  Dehydrate some of your stock and store them in easy-to-grab sandwich bags for a great, healthy, grab-n-go snack.  Mash them up into applesauce that is all naturally goodness with none of the preservatives or additives found in the store bought versions.

You can also find many ways to incorporate apples into your everyday menu.  Here are some great ideas that cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

• Apple Bacon Slaw
• Apple Crisp
• Baked Pork Chops and Apples
• German Apple Pancakes
• Crunchy Apple Salad

Make this autumn all about apples and maybe you will be able to keep the doctor away and sickness at bay all winter long.

Related articles

• Where Have All The Apples Gone? (julesfreshair.com)
• Food Prices Increase Slightly in the Second Quarter of 2012 (fillyourplate.org)
• As American As… Blueberry Pie? (fillyourplate.org)