It’s apple picking season—the perfect time of the year to pack your family in the car, head to the nearest orchard, and get ready for some weekend fun.
And when you’re finally able to savor the “fruits” of your labor, remember that apples are not only delicious, but also beneficial to your health.
“Apples are a wonderful addition to a healthy food plan,” says Shayna Komar, a licensed and registered dietitian at Cancer Wellness at Piedmont. “Apples do not have any fat, sodium, or cholesterol so they can definitely help "keep the doctor away."
The health benefits of apples
Apples can:
And apples are especially good for you, because they contain a flavonoid called quercetin.
“Quercetin is used for treating conditions of the heart, cholesterol, diabetes and even cancer,” explains Komar. “And apples, especially red apples, have this great quercetin in it naturally.”
And because of their fiber content, apples will help you fill up without a lot of calories, keeping that excess weight gain to a minimum.
5 great places to pick apples in Georgia
So, if you are interested in testing the “apple a day” theory, take advantage of these events:
1.Hillcrest Orchards
Located 90 minutes from Atlanta, Hillcrest Orchards is the perfect destination for families. Visitors can pick their own apples, milk cows, watch live pig races or visit the petting farm. If you get hungry, head to the bakery and ice cream parlor for fried apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, pizza and fried Oreos.
2.Red Apple Barn
It’s apple picking season in Elijay, Ga, and the Red Apple Barn is the place to be. Take a tractor ride around the orchard, tour the farm and pick apples. When it’s all over enjoy a cold cup of cider and hot apple cider doughnuts.
3.Mercier Orchards
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mercier Orchards has over 30 varieties of apples to choose from. Besides their orchards, the property also boasts a bakery & deli, market store and a farm winery.
4.B.J. Reece Orchards
B.J. Reece Orchards is a popular weekend getaway for visitors. Families can pick apples, take a wagon tour around the farm, pet farm animals, shoot apple cannons and go on a scavenger hunt through a corn field. Visitors will also delight in the pig races and cow milking. If you’re hungry, stop by the bakery for a fried apple pie, candied apples, homemade bread or pumpkin rolls.
5.R&A Orchards
Boasting 60 acres of apple trees, R&A Orchards is an apple pickers dream. Visitors can take a tractor ride to pick apples and experience breathtaking mountain views. Hungry guests can stop by the café for fresh made sandwiches, barbecue and a variety of soups.
Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.