Courtesy of Centennial Farms
Now that fall has officially begun, apple season is in full swing. A versatile fruit, apples are a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Here's a few local orchards that offer off-the-tree fruit picking, a fun, educational activity.
A classic spot in Illinois, Eckert's pick-your-own apple orchards are open daily in Belleville, Millstadt, and Grafton. Check Eckert's frequently updated Crop Update page to find out which varieties are available for picking. Currently, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious are available at all three locations for $1.79 per pound. This Saturday, don't miss the Apple Fest at the Grafton farm from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring wagon rides, children's activities, festival foods, and more.
Located about an hour from St. Louis in Augusta, Mo., Centennial Farms grows 16 varieties of apples that ripen from mid-August through late October. Apples are open for picking from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. If you stop by on the weekend, check out the Farm Fun Land with hayrides, a climbing wall, and more.
At Herman's Farm in St. Charles, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Empire, and Jon-A-Golds are available for picking daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $2 per pound. Herman also offers "you pick, we dig" large perennial mums for fall decor.
