Apple-Picking Season 2025: A Fresh Adventure at The Orchard at Meadow Lakes

As the warm days of summer give way to the crisp embrace of fall, The Orchard at Meadow Lakes invites you to experience the joy of apple-picking this season. Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada, our orchard is bursting with anticipation as we prepare for a bountiful harvest. From the first week of September through early November, you’ll have the chance to pick your own apples, savor their fresh flavors, and create lasting memories with friends and family. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s apple-picking season!

Harvest Schedule: A Symphony of Varieties

Our apples ripen in a delightful progression, offering a variety of flavors and textures throughout the season. It all begins with McIntosh in the first week of September, known for its sweet-tart balance and juicy bite. By the second week, Golden Delicious joins the lineup, bringing its mellow sweetness and versatility. The third and fourth weeks of September welcome Mutsu and Empire, with Mutsu offering a crisp, honeyed taste and Empire delivering a perfect blend of sweet and tart.

As October arrives, the first weeks bring Jonathan, Ben Davis, Red Delicious, and Fuji - each with unique profiles, from Jonathan’s tangy zest to Fuji’s crisp, sugary finish. Finally, the season culminates with the famed Arkansas Black in the first week of November, a late-season gem with its deep, wine-like flavor and firm texture. This diverse lineup ensures there’s an apple for every palate, fresh from the tree.

U-Pick Program: Get Hands-On This Fall

We're excited to offer a U-Pick experience at $7 per person, and however many pounds of apples you pick, at $4.50 per pound. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Fresno County area, this is your chance to connect with nature and take home a bag of orchard-fresh goodness.

What to Wear and How to Pick

To enjoy your apple-picking day, dress for the occasion. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and layered clothing to adapt to the Sierra Nevada’s variable weather. A hat and sunscreen are wise for sunny days, while gloves can protect your hands from branches. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and consider a small backpack to carry your apples and any extras you might purchase.

Picking an apple is an art! Look for fruit that’s firm and free of blemishes, with vibrant color—each variety has its own hue to guide you. Gently twist the apple upward and off the branch; avoid pulling hard to protect the tree. If it doesn’t come off easily, it may need more time to ripen. Take your time, enjoy the process, and fill your bag with care.

Organic, Hand-Picked Apples for Sale

Beyond U-Pick, we’re proud to offer our apples by the pound at $4.50 per pound, available throughout the season. These are organic and hand-picked, a commitment to your health and the environment. Organic apples are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals and supporting sustainable farming (we spray for Codling moth, when we have to - last spray was in 2019). Hand-picking ensures each apple is handled with care, preserving its quality and flavor - something mass production can’t replicate.

Contrast this with big grocery stores, where apples are often stored in cold facilities for months with synthetic wax coatings, losing freshness and nutritional value. Our apples, plucked straight from the tree, retain their peak vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars. Eating fresh fruit offers significant health benefits, including a boost of vitamin C and fiber, while the outdoor activity provides essential vitamin D from sunlight. This combination supports immunity, digestion, and overall well-being - plus, it’s a delicious way to stay active.

Create Memories with Every Bite

Apple-picking at The Orchard at Meadow Lakes is more than a task - it’s a harvest celebration. Gather your loved ones for a day of laughter, fresh air, and the sweet reward of your labor. The orchard’s picturesque setting, with its ripe apples and golden foliage, sets the stage for unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re baking pies with McIntosh, snacking on Fuji, or savoring Arkansas Black’s rich taste, each apple tells a story of nature’s bounty. These experiences foster connection, create family traditions, and leave you with a sense of accomplishment.

Don’t miss out - schedule your U-Pick day or stop by to purchase our organic apples, starting the first week of September! Contact us at (559) 890-1022, DM @meadowlakesorchard, visit our retail store, or message us through our website.

Join us this season and taste the difference of fresh, tree-ripened apples at The Orchard at Meadow Lakes!