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Apple orchard outings, recipes, and everything in between.

Our six tips on going from orchard to table.

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September 18, 2026 3:16pm EDT

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Come On Over | Food52's guide to gathering.

Welcome to Come On Over, Food52's newsletter about hosting life's big and little moments. This week, our editor Allie shares her guidance on taking a special trip out to the apple orchard.

I’ve loved apple picking outings since childhood. It’s the practice of picking actual fruit off of the tree that holds a bit of magic for me, even now. It’s a wonder if you have an apple tree in your yard, but the magnitude of going to an orchard creates a unique experience—one worth treasuring and sharing with others.

Apple harvest lasts about two or three months, winding down in late October. While this seems like plenty of time at the moment, October comes at you fast. Take it from me: Plan your apple picking afternoon now.

It doesn’t take much to create a memorable orchard moment with friends and family. Throw everyone in the car, layer on a cozy sweater, and head out to a pick-your-own apple orchard. (Extra points if they have a cidery on the grounds or goats you can feed.) Plan to bring a bag or two of your bounty home so you can turn your apples into delicious meals, desserts, or Roasted Apple Butter for days or weeks to come.

Road Trip

The orchard is likely a drive or train ride away, so make it a moment. Put together a fall playlist, fill a Stojo collapsible travel cup with our classic iced coffee, and pack our Furikake Chex Mix Snack for sustenance.

The Apple-friendly Tote

Orchards supply bags for weighing, but we’ve only met one bag that doesn’t squish the contents: The Capabunga grocery tote. Since orchard apples are more tender than big store varieties, treat them to their own special space on the way home.

Capabunga ivory tote on a white background.

Go Beyond the Camera Roll

Call me old-fashioned but I love real photos. Brilliant sunshine, pops of red, and your favorite people—it’s a moment to capture. Pack an instant Polaroid camera for keepsakes and some fridge art you won’t regret.

Savory Apple Recipes

Sweet apples make an excellent foil to rich roasts or bitter greens. Try our Brussels Sprouts with Honeycrisp Apples or Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Apples, Gin & Coriander Seeds.

Brussels sprouts, apples, bacon, and onion tossed together.

Apple rose tartlets on white plates on a table.

Holiday Preview

Early fall is the perfect time to practice your holiday desserts, and apple-focused bakes are a quintessential part of the holiday table. Try our Apple Rose Tarts, Vegan Apple Pie, or our classic Apple Crisp.

Fall-ready Bakeware

Right apples, right recipe, right baking dish. We love this enamelware carbon steel pie dish for even browning with anything pie. Ceramic casserole dishes are great for recipes where you need even heat distribution over a longer period of time.

Sweet potato crisp in a pink casserole dish.

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