Michigan – While Labor Day is behind us, now the official end of summer is creeping along, and Michigan orchards will once again be in full bloom.
Orchards in bloom? Well filled with Michiganders who are die-hard cider, donuts and apple picking fans. I am one of those. It’s the smells of cider and donut making, the crisp afternoons under the Michigan sun, and scenery of flannel fashion that gets me so excited for the fall season.
Recommended Videos
I often spend my Sundays during the fall at Blakes Cider Mill in Armada. But whatever cider mill you visit, who wouldn’t in a state that was ranked third in the U.S. for apple production.
But when I do go, catch me with a cup of cider in one hand and a warm cinnamon sugar donut in the other. Fun, but weird fact, dip your donut in the cider. It’ll change your life.
If you aren’t doing that and find yourself under an apple tree, the question is, what do you pick?
Let me help you out.
According to the Michigan Apple Committee, here’s when you can expect different kinds of apples you can pick or shop for.
- Paula Red: Aug. 9
This late summer apple is only available into Oct. A tart flavor and good aroma.
- Ginger Gold: Aug. 11
Gingery-sweet to mildly tart flavor.
- Gala: Aug. 20
Bite into Michigan’s 3rd most popular apple for fresh eating and cooking. A mellow sweetness.
- Honeycrisp: Aug. 22
Hot apple? It’s a combination of unusual color and excellent sweet flavor with a great bite. Great for salads.
- McIntosh: Sept. 1
This apple is used for apple sauce and cider. In Jeopardy form, what is McIntosh? This ultra juicy, lightly tart flavor apple is also used in pies.
- Golden Delicious: Sept. 9
The most popular yellow apple that has a sweet taste under a thin skin.
- Jonagold: Sept. 16
This is popular in Europe, but better from Michigan’s cooler climate. This crisp and juicy apple has shades of tart and sweet in each bite.
- Ambrosia: Sept. 18
Sweet and refreshing
- Fuji: Sept. 19
Want an apple that stays crisp for weeks? Fuji has a fantastic sweet and tart flavor with a low acid content.
- Red Delicious: Sept. 23
What is known for their five little bumps and discovered over 100 years ago in Iowa? The Red Delicious is America’s most popular apple with a full-flavored sweet taste.
- Ida Red: Sept. 26
A tangy and tart taste. Flavored for sauces, pies and desserts.
- EverCrisp: Oct. 15
A powerful crunch. EverCrisp is a mix of sweet, juicy and firm.
- Cripps Pink: Oct. 18
Tart with a sweet finish.
I’ll leave that here. But when you reach up and pick an apple from the tree are you grabbing sweet or tart?
With a cup of cider and a warm donut, cheers!