Pick-Your-Own Apples: 'Small But Plentiful' Crop for Fall 2016 in Virginia

Making plans to head out to Virginia's farms for some apple-picking this fall? Virginia agriculture experts say to expect plenty of apples, but they might be a little smaller than years past.

You explore all your options ahead of time by checking out the Virginia Apple Growers Association's revamped website at VirginiaApples.net with a listing of apple-related fall events. Consumers can also search for orchards, events, pick-your-own farms and more online at VirginiaGrown.com.

Also read: Apple-Picking Season 2016 in Virginia: Here's Where You Can Pick Your Own

The smaller crop this year is due to winter heat, spring freezes and too much late spring/early summer rain, but now that harvest has begun this season, the state is on track to have a good crop, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Growers having been picking Gala apples since August and are now picking Red and Golden Delicious apples, with the other varieties to follow: Ginger Gold, Pink Lady, McIntosh, Honey Crisp, Stayman and more.

What to do with all those apples? Check out "50 Things to Make with Apples" from the Food Network

Pick-your-own farms should have plenty of apples, but the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) always recommends calling first for hours of operation and fruit availability.

“We expect to have plenty of delicious apples available in Virginia through the end of the harvest in November,” said VDACS Commissioner Sandra J. Adams. “The commonwealth is the seventh-largest U.S. apple-growing state, and many consumers in our region, the U.S. and around the globe look forward to Virginia Grown apples each year.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, apples were Virginia’s 15th largest agricultural commodity with farm cash receipts totaling $37 million in 2014, the last year for which we have figures. The commonwealth is home to more than 150 commercial apple growers, as well as many pick-your-own farms that sell directly to the consumer.

Virginia exports apples to India, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and other countries.Virginia offers many ways to celebrate this favorite fall fruit, including festivals that feature pick-your-own apples, a selection of ready-picked varieties and apple products.

PHOTO courtesy of the Virginia Apple Board