How do you like them apples? Here are some u-pick spots at the Jersey Shore
You've heard of Honey Crisp, Gala, McIntosh, Granny Smith, Red Delicious — but Arkansas Black?
You can find all those varieties and more while apple picking this fall at Jersey Shore orchards.
At Krowicki's Farm in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, they sell 31 different types, including Arkansas Black, Zelstar and Winesap. But Christina Stone, who helps run the family farm, said her favorite is Mutsu.
“The thing is bigger than a softball, crisp, juicy and phenomenal," she said of the Japanese variety.
Stone's parents, Janice and Denis Krowicki, opened the farm in 1991. Steven Stone, Christina's husband, helps run the farm, as do their children, 18-year-old Steven Jr., and 7-year-old Madison.
“My Grandfather [Michael] Krowicki was a farmer in Chesterfield," Stone said. "His grandparents were also farmers, so it’s multigenerational."
Some apples are ready to pick as early as July, but other late-bloomers, like the Arkansas Blacks and Winesaps, are not ready until October and November.
In the orchard, you'll see giant 20-year-old trees as well as 4-year-old "baby trees."
“We update our trees all the time,” Stone said. “If a storm comes through and knocks some down, we do our best to stand them back up so they can re-root themselves … but if the branches break and the trees die, we’ll rip them out and plant new trees.”
Customers have watched both Steven Jr. and Madison grow up on the farm.
“It’s why we do it …," Stone said. "We could just pick everything and sell it wholesale. We have people contact us all the time, but we like to see our customers. Customers have seen my son at 3 months old playing in the greenhouse.
“We’re all a family here.”
Stone's sister, Sabrina Krowicki, also operates her horseback riding business on the farm, called Touch of Magic Stables.
“When people come in for apple picking, they love seeing the horses,” Stone said.
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The in-house farmers market has plenty of produce, sourced not only from the main farm, but Stone’s personal business Ornery Farms, which is connected to the property.
U-pick admission is $5, which is credited back for purchases over 10 pounds. Apples are $1.49 per pound, and the farm is "friendly-dog friendly." Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Go: 862 Route 539, New Egypt section of Plumsted Township; 609-752-5591, facebook.com/KrowickisFarmMarket.
Here are other orchards to visit around the Jersey Shore this fall:
Battleview Orchards, Freehold
The orchard's website has a complete list of u-pick starting dates for different varieties of apples. Some types, like Ginger Gold, Gala and Honey Crisp, have been ready since late August; some others like Red Delicious and Macoun start in mid-September; late bloomers like Granny Smith, Cameo and Crispin (aka Mutsu) come later in the month, or early October.
Apples are $1.89, cash only. No purses, large bags or reusable food containers; picking containers will be provided. There is no admission fee, and u-pick ends 15 minutes prior to closing.
The orchard is closed Tuesdays, and usually open all other days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting; call ahead for most updated information, or visit facebook.com/bvorchards.
Go: 91 Wemrock Road, 732-462-0756, battlevieworchards.com.
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Eastmont Orchards, Colts Neck
Popular varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala and McIntosh can be picked already, while others like Cortland, Jonathan and Red Delicious will be ready within the next month (through mid-October).
Late-season types include Arkansas Black, Fuji and Stayman Winesap, which will be ready mid-to-late October. Apples are $2.29 per pound (admission is free).
Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting; call ahead for updated information.
Go: 321 Route 537, 732-542-5404, eastmontorchards.com.
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Stone Tavern Orchards, Upper Freehold Township
This family-friendly spot in the Cream Ridge section offers a hayride out to the orchards, pumpkin patch, flower patch, corn maze and corn pit. Admission is $8, $4 per child ages 4 to 12, free for kids under 4.
You can pick apples, pumpkins and flowers (wagons, baskets and clippers provided) before returning to the market to pay for your pick. Apples are $2.29 per pound, pumpkins are 69 cents per pound. Bring a re-usable bag.
Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting; call ahead for updated information.
Go: 73 Rues Road, Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township; 609-223-0051, stonetavernorchards.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore u-pick apple orchards include Krowicki's Farm
