Apple picking is a perfect activity for fall fun but hurry, the season ends in later October/early November.

Be sure to call ahead to make sure orchards are open and to find out what varieties of apples you can expect on your visit.

CLEARVIEW ORGANIC ORCHARDS

Clearview Orchards produces the finest CCOF certified organic apples. Whether you want to pick your own apples or simply pick up some organic fruit from the Apple Barn to take home, Clearview Orchards is perfect for family outings.

• 646 Trabing Road, Watsonville, 95076 • 831 245-3854
• Open every Saturday and Sunday through November 1 from 10 am to 4 pm.

GIZDICH RANCH

Gizdich Ranch is closed for the season for apple picking but you can purchase apples at the orchard. Also, families are welcome to picnic under the apple trees.

• 55 Peckham Road, Watsonville, 95076 • 831-722-1056
• Open 9 am-5 pm, apple picking is Thursday through Sunday

LUZ DEL VALLE RANCH

The U-Pick season starts on Labor Day and features tasty Galas. These are followed by the Fujis which begin to ripen the first week of October. Harvesting your own apples is a fun and affordable family outing.  There are two-hour time slots and the number of people in the orchard is limited so you and your family are naturally socially distanced.

• 1875 Hames Rd, Aptos, CA 95003
• (831) 421-1932
• https://luzdelvalle.us

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Once you’ve picked your apples, you can help the kids make Apple Rings or Inside Out Caramel Apples with their haul.

INSIDE-OUT CARAMEL APPLES Makes 15-18 slices

Ingredients: 3 Granny Smith (or any firm) apples; 1 lemon; 2 cups caramel squares; 2 tbsp corn syrup

Directions

1. Cut your apples in half. Use a melon baller to scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch around all edges.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon onto the apples while you prepare the caramel. (This keeps them from turning brown.)
3. In a microwave-proof bowl, melt the caramels and corn syrup. Try 30 seconds, then 15 seconds – just enough to melt them.
4. Stir to mix.
5. Allow to cool for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Wipe the apples with a paper towel to remove as much lemon juice as possible. (Caramel won’t stick to a wet apple.)
7. Spoon the caramel into the hollowed-out apples until just below the top. (This can be a very sticky stage, so you may want to wipe your fingers with some vegetable oil first.)
8. Set the apple halves in muffin tins to keep them steady.
9. Chill in the refrigerator until the caramel has set, about 20 minutes. Cut into slices (spray the knife with cooking spray for easier cutting; a serrated or tomato knife works well).

APPLE RINGS Makes 12 rings

Ingredients: 3 large, round apples and a variety of toppings. Suggestions:  1-2 kinds of nut or seed butter; cream cheese; peanuts; sunflower seeds; chocolate chips; raisins or Craisins; mini marshmallows; shredded coconut; crumbled pretzels or chopped pretzel sticks.

Directions

1. Core and thinly slice apples width-wise to make 1/4 wide rings.
2. Serve the rest of the toppings in small bowls and let kids decorate their own rings. Have them start by spreading each ring with a nut or seed butter or cream cheese to help the toppings stick.