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They’ll equip you with a canvas bag, wagon and sometimes even ladders. Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly. The harvest doesn’t stop at apples. Often you can buy cider, locally made honey, pumpkins and one orchard even makes their very own apple infused wine!

When you get home, don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage. Keep apples cool and dry after picking to increase shelf life. A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too. Next step, come up with a plan on how to use all these apples! Surprise your friends, co-workers or neighbors with a basket or try our simple Rustic Apple Tart recipe (see below).

Venture out and reconnect with nature and support your local farms. Go with friends, bring a picnic and make a day of it with your family, or invite someone special to join you for a memorable date.

What does your favorite apple say about you?

The apple you love best says something about your personality. Here are some favorite New York Apples and the personality traits connected to them.

Empire
You are adventurous and daring. You like surprises and you are willing to “go out on a limb” to try new things.

Red Delicious
You are traditional and loyal. If there is something you like, you stick with it. You have a bushel of friends.

Honeycrisp
You like life to be spicy and romantic. You have adeep passion for whatever you undertake. You have real Sex Apeel.

Gala
You are easy-going and like to have fun. You keep things light and love a good laugh. Life with you is a Barrel of apples!

Golden Delicious
You are always bright and sunny. A joy to be around. Your friends consider you a blue ribbon winner.

McIntosh
You like to shake things up. You like people and you always enjoy a good party. You are not one to sit on the cider-lines, you like to be where the action is.

Fuji
You are smooth and approachable. You are confident and take on new situations with ease. You are outstanding in your field.
Paula Red
You are always ready for anything. You are not afraid of failure and are very hard working. You never “fritter” away an opportunity.

Crispin
You are down to earth and “rooted”. Life with you is like mulled cider on a cold winter’s day.

Cortland
You are as sweet as pie. You are always willing to help a friend. You have a warm heart.

Macoun
Sharp and fun. You are to the point and don’t like to hang around.

Jonagold
You are sweet as honey and hard working. No job is too big or small for you. You can juggle any schedule and always keep all the apples in the air.

If you have ever wondered where our farmers’ markets apples come from, here’s a short list to of orchards in the region. If you miss the markets and want to visit these orchards in person, make the trip in person and experience apples on a whole other level. Make sure you call before going to confirm hours and availability.

Becker Farms & Vizcarra Vineyards
3724 Quaker Red Delicious
Gasport NY, 14067
Phone (716) 772-2211
Web Site: www.beckerfarms.com

Blackman Homestead Farm
4472 Thrall Road
Lockport NY, 14094
Phone (716) 434-7116

Murphy Orchards
2402 McClew Road
Burt NY, 14028
Phone (716) 778-7926
Web Site: www.murphyorchards.com

Rustic Apple Tarts
Makes 4 individual tarts

These tarts are less bothersome to make than a pie — they take all of 30 minutes to make once you have the dough prepared. Bake them for weeknight dinners, brunches, picnics, even late-night snacks.

One tip when using apples: Make sure you choose the type of apple that is best suited for your purpose; eating fresh, cooking, baking, applesauce, storing, etc.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup ice water
2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, cut in quarters and sliced paper-thin
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, quartered
Vanilla ice cream, optional

Method
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt until blended. Add the butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal with pieces no bigger than small peas, about 13 to 15 one-second pulses.

With the motor running, add the ice water all at once through the feed tube. Process for about 10 seconds, stopping before the dough becomes a solid mass. Turn the contents of the bowl onto a work surface, form into four equal-size discs, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for an one hour.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc into a 7-inch circle and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Spread one-quarter of the ginger mixture on each tart, then arrange one-quarter of the slices (about half an apple) in an overlapping circular pattern on top, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the sugar evenly on top of the apples and fold over the borders. Most of the apples will remain uncovered. Press down the dough on the baking sheet, snugly securing the sides and seams to prevent drips. Dot the center of each tart with butter.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the apples have begun to brown slightly. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.