First Field Trip of the Year: Apple Picking!

A few weeks ago we kicked off our field trip season with a visit to the North Georgia apple orchard capitol, Ellijay, for some apple picking. It was exciting to see how the orchard picks and process the apples. This conveyor belt is the sorting area of the orchard house where they determined what grade the apples are and where they would be shipped. On location they sold apples by the bag, peck, and bushel. They also sold many other apple products like butters, cider, and pastries. Surprisingly there was a farm store inside where you could get sweet potatoes, peanuts, peppers, pumpkins, and even collard greens. Of course I had to get a bushel of greens while we were up there. 

I was so happy Dad got to attend this event. I carpooled up to the orchard 2yrs ago with my oldest and Dad and littles didn't get to come. So they were very excited to experience the orchard. I was ever so thankful dad was able to carry Chunky Diva through the orchard in our hiking baby carries cause she is getting really heavy these days. Here they all are checking out the bee hive while the tour guide explains the importance of pollinators for a successful apple crop. 

Each child was able to fill up there own bag with apples they hand picked from the U Pick trees. Now this is one of those time when having a large family comes in handy. With all of our childrens apple bags filled to the brim we made out with a 1/2 a bushel of apples. We also purchased an additional 1/2 bushel to take home which we later processed down into 7 quarts of applesauce and 2 quarts of dehydrated apples. You can find great tips on how to can, freeze, or dehydrate your fresh pick produced on the Pick Your Own website. I have used there recipes many times. 

I have to tell you the beauty of the North Georgia Appalachian Mountains was captivating. It really was a beautiful sight. I wouldn't mind having a piece of land up there someday.