# Apple Orchards: Cultivating a Timeless Tradition - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/apple-orchards-cultivating-a-timeless-tradition/ - Published: 2009-10-12T19:48:23-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## I get apples yesterday and realize it is about buying locally. Apples are a popular fruit enjoyed all over the world, cherished for their sweet and crisp texture. Many people love visiting apple orchards to pick apples and experience their fresh flavors firsthand. They are also valued for their versatility in various dishes. These nutritious fruits come in countless varieties, and each offers a unique flavor profile. For example, the tartness of Granny Smith contrasts with the sweetness of Fuji. Apples are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Therefore, they are a [healthy choice for snacks](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/cacao-goji-and-citrus-chia-healthy-snack-options/), desserts, and even salads. Additionally, apples have a rich history in various cultures, symbolizing knowledge and temptation in mythology. They also find a place in countless folk tales and recipes passed down through generations. Whether eaten fresh, baked in a pie, or pressed into cider, apples continue to be a beloved fruit. They bring joy to many around the globe. ## Family Tradition of Apple Picking For so many years had I apple picked.  My father would pick me up and place me in the tree. Then I would drop down the apples and he would be able to catch them.  Some times it would hit him and my uncle Bob in the head. However, they took when my cousin Greg and I would drop them down.  Visiting apple orchards was at the heart of our tradition. Every year, Jessica and I went with our boys, [Tyler](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/01/city-of-tyler-texas-agrees-to-extensive-sewer-system-upgrades-and-operational-improvements-to-comply-with-clean-water-act/) and Cameron, to go pumpkin picking. This [created cherished memories](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/new-thomas-jefferson-solar-canopy-at-mount-rushmore-national-memorial-amps-up-efforts-by-xanterra-travel-collection-to-create-greener-national-parks-memorials/) in the crisp autumn air. This tradition became even more special when my dad joined us. He brought laughter and stories that enriched our time together. The sun would cast a warm glow over the pumpkin patch. It would illuminate the vibrant oranges and yellows of the pumpkins waiting to be picked. As we all roamed through the fields, each choosing their favorite pumpkin, the sound of our boys’ laughter filled the air. It made it a delightful [experience for the whole](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/experience-the-future-whole-earth-summits-virtual-summit/) family. Sharing this joy with my dad and the entire family together made those days truly unforgettable. As a result, it strengthened our bonds and deepened our appreciation for these simple yet beautiful moments. ![A man joyfully holds a small child who is reaching for apples on a tree in an orchard filled with people Baskets filled with picked apples are visible on the ground](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/image-4- 400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy") A joyful apple picking family moment in a vibrant orchard with children and adults enjoying a day of harvest ## Apple Orchards So, we go to the apple picking place and it was a [madhouse](https://www.xroadsfarmliny.com/). I mean like wall to wall people and almost like a festival.  It was non-stop cooking, bands, the works.  It was enjoyable to [see local people](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/ensia-talks-why-we-must-protect-600000-square-miles-that-most-people-will-never-see/) being able to succeed in farming.  Gathering at apple orchards truly brings people together. The lines were even more enormous just to get into the parking lot. They stretched endlessly in front of me. My goodness, it was like being on the Long Island Expressway or the Major Deegan Expressway to the George Washington Bridge exit. That is the place right before Yankee Stadium during rush hour, where every second feels like an eternity. Cars were bumper to bumper, and the impatience of drivers was palpable. This created an atmosphere thick with frustration. It felt like a joke, a cruel twist of fate that on a day meant for excitement, we were instead trapped in this gridlock. We were staring at the same taillights for what seemed like hours. For anyone visiting apple orchards, patience is essential, especially during peak season. ## Local Eating Anyway, it was just a testament to local eating and the [celebration of people wanting to go Green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/02/10-celebrities-for-climate-change/) and doing it in droves. The enthusiasm for sustainable practices was palpable, as communities came together to support local farmers and artisans, prioritizing fresh, organic [produce over processed foods](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/benefits-of-growing-your-own-food/). This shift not only [benefited the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/led-bulb-problem-maximize-energy-savings-benefits/) but also fostered a sense of unity among participants. From farmer’s markets bursting with colors to initiatives encouraging plant-based diets, it was clear that people were eager to make conscious choices that reflect their values. Many such events are centered around apple orchards, highlighting the benefits of eating local. Way to go! Now if we can only get those [cars to be zero emission](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/08/lamborghini-asterion-lpi-910-4-plugin-hybrid-electric-car/) and all electric, all bets are off.  The gloves come off, the fun begins and we are ready to rock and roll.  Green to the best green we can get. Gotta go check out the apple pie my wife is making in the oven, and [yes it is ENERGY](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/energy-saving-checklist-for-commercial-buildings/) STAR rated.  😉 (Source: Washington, USA, Wikipedia) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)