Apple picking season is still a few weeks away at Fisher's Fruit Farm in Brockport, NY — but it's the biggest harvest of the year. Here's a preview of what to expect for apple picking near Rochester and Monroe County this fall.
Peaches and nectarines are still the focus at Fisher's Fruit right now, but apple season is not far behind. Apple picking in Brockport, NY typically begins in late August and runs well into October — making it the longest, most variety-rich stretch of the entire fruit year at Fisher's Fruit & Christmas Tree Farm. If you've been watching cherry and peach season go by, apples are what comes next.
Apple season is larger and longer than any other crop at the farm. While cherries offer a short, urgent window and peaches and nectarines carry through mid-summer, apples at Fisher's Fruit in Brockport arrive in waves — early varieties first, mid-season standbys next, and late keepers rounding out the fall. For families in Monroe County and across Western NY, it's the farm visit that anchors the whole season.
Fisher's Fruit grows a wide range of varieties suited to different uses. Early-season apples like Paulared and Jersey Mac tend to arrive first, followed by popular mid-season picks like Gala and Fuji. Later in the season, you'll find Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, Burgundy, and Braeburn. Each variety brings a different balance of sweetness, tartness, crunch, and keeping quality — giving you real options no grocery store apple can match.
Apple picking in Brockport NY at Fisher's Fruit is a different experience from cherry or peach season. The weather is cooler, the orchard is full, and families typically spend more time walking rows and filling bags. It's one of the easiest pick-your-own outings of the year — less heat, more variety, and the satisfaction of bringing home a real haul. Kids and adults both find it hard to leave without more than they planned to pick.
Fresh local apples are hard to replicate from a store. At home, they're excellent in apple pie, apple crisp, and homemade applesauce. A batch of apple butter stretches the season for months. Caramel apples are a fall tradition the kids will ask for every year. And if you pick more than you can use fresh, apples store well in a cool basement or second refrigerator for weeks. Having a mix of varieties means you always have the right apple for the right recipe.
Fruit does not ripen by the calendar alone. Weather, sunshine, rain, cool nights, and spring growing conditions can all affect when cherries, peaches, nectarines, and apples are ready. Fisher's Fruit will keep customers updated as each crop becomes ready to pick. The best way to know whether apple picking is open — and which varieties are available — is to check current picking conditions before you drive out.
Apple season at Fisher's Fruit in Brockport draws visitors from Rochester, Spencerport, Hamlin, Greece, Hilton, and communities all across Monroe County. The earlier in the season you come, the more variety you'll find. Later visits are great for late-keeping apples and a cooler orchard. Either way, the farm blog will have updates as the season approaches — and you can always call the farm at (585) 690-8269 to check before you head out.
Check current picking conditions before visiting Fisher's Fruit & Christmas Tree Farm in Brockport, NY. Apple season typically starts in late August — stay tuned for updates.