Fall is a time for football games, jumping into piles of leaves, and cooking up the best the season has to offer.
That includes fresh, just-picked Michigan apples.
Did you know that Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the nation? That’s a lot of fruit.
Michigan apples also come in a great variety. In fact, there’s about 16 popular varieties that can be found in Michigan orchards. From super sweet to tasty tart, there’s an apple variety for all tastes.
Like the clean beaches, beautiful weather, and variety of produce, add apples to that list of great things about Michigan.
In addition to biting into a Jonagold or slicing up a Fuji, there’s so much you can do to savor this classic fall fruit.
Ways to Enjoy Michigan Apples
Here, we share four easy ways to fall in love with apples.
Pick Your Own Michigan Apples
With over 800 family-run farms in Michigan, it’s easy to find a place to spend a few hours picking your own produce. Take your friends and family and experience picking apples.
Apple picking is a great idea for a fun kid’s activity. Be sure to instruct them about how to properly pick apples and only pick the ones that are ripe. To pick a ripe apple, all you need to do is simply give the apple a twist off the branch. If it’s ripe, it should pop right off. If not, the apple isn’t ready to be picked yet.
Picking apples is also a great date idea to spend the day with your significant other. Once you’ve picked your bags of apples, you can spend time together cooking, baking, and eating your findings. For the produce you don’t use - or eat - right away, keep them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.
Stock Up on Applesauce and Apple Butter
Another great thing about apples is that they can be used in so many things, whether dinner at night or a snack for weeks later - with applesauce and apple butter.
These two treats are great to make ahead of time and then store for a little while. Can them to maximize easy storage. Applesauce also freezes well, so you can have a sweet apple treat even as the season changes to winter.
And here’s a tip - use Fustini’s balsamic vinegar in your favorite applesauce or apple butter recipes! Add in a splash or two of a sweet vinegar like Michigan Apple or Cinnamon Pear for an extra level of fall flavor.
Use Apples In All Your Dishes
Using apples for sauce and butter is just the start of the dishes and snacks you can make. With a little creativity and a whole lot of apples, you can feast on these treats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Michigan Apples for Breakfast
Whether it’s a quick bite in the morning or a full on brunch, apples are a great morning snack to get you up and going. Bake up a treat with apple donuts with a sweet peanut glaze.
Apple Lunch Ideas
When lunch time rolls around, you can incorporate those same flavors in that brown bag you brought to work. Pile on some Waldorf Chicken Salad on bread or salad. Pair with another great fall find - butternut squash - for an Ancho Chile Bisque that will warm you right up on those cool fall days.
Michigan Apples at Dinner
At dinnertime with the family, keep out that bag of apples for a meal all ages will love. Sauté up some cabbage and apples in this Braised Apple Cabbage side. Top salmon with a sweet and savory apple jam. Throw some other fun veggies in with your apples in this Jicama and Peppadew salad.
Sweet Treats with Apples
Save a few apples for a sweet treat as a reward for a great day. Whip up a sweet apple pie or apple crisp with your fresh produce. Try something new with an Apple Pandowdy.
With so many recipes with apples, you’ll be using and incorporating new flavors with apples for days.
Try Out a Flavor Combination
Did you know that Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars also has a balsamic dedicated to the joy of Michigan apples!? Our Michigan Apple balsamic can be a great addition to all your fall cooking. From salads to marinades to vinaigrettes, and so much more, this is a prime flavor to celebrate the season.