Why October Is the Best Month to Buy Washington Apples (Fresh, Organic, and Local)

October Belongs to Apples

Fall apple harvest at Chelan Ranch Organics

When crisp autumn air arrives in Washington, apple orchards come alive with color and fragrance. October isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s the height of apple season. At Chelan Ranch Organics, we believe this is the best time to enjoy Washington apples at their peak: bursting with juice, vibrant in flavor, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re stocking up at a local farmers market, planning a U-Pick outing, or sending organic apples as a thoughtful gift, October is the moment to buy.

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How to Choose the Best U-Pick Apples in Chelan: Timing, Traits & Tips

keep a sliced apple fresh

There’s something magical about wandering through rows of apple trees, reaching up to pluck a crisp, sun-warmed apple straight from the branch. U-Pick apples in Chelan are more than just a seasonal activity—they’re a chance to connect with the land, taste fruit at its peak, and make memories with family and friends. But if you want the very best apples, knowing when and how to pick them makes all the difference.

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Where Is the Fiber in an Apple?

Sweetango on a rock

When you bite into a crisp organic apple from Chelan Ranch, you’re getting more than just juicy sweetness—you’re fueling your body with natural fiber. But have you ever wondered where the fiber in an apple is found? The answer might surprise you and could even change the way you eat this everyday fruit.

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Late Summer Orchard Care: How Organic IPM + Soil Health Keep Our Fruit Fresh & Flavorful

Fresh Fruit That Tastes Like Summer

New crop Sweetango apple

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crisp, juicy apple on a warm late-summer day. At Chelan Ranch, this is the season when our Sweetango apples are at their peak — bursting with flavor, fragrance, and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. But behind every delicious apple is a story of careful tending. Late summer is a challenging time in the orchard, as pests are active, heat stress builds, and the soil can become exhausted.

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Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

Fall harvest is here at Chelan Ranch, and our orchards are bursting with crisp, juicy Sweetango apples, the perfect fruit for blending into your morning routine. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so refreshing, these Chelan, Washington, organically-grown beauties add natural sweetness and fiber to smoothies while packing in that just-picked crunch. If you’ve been looking for a fun, healthy way to enjoy the harvest, our Apple Cinnamon Smoothie recipe is a must-try. With flavors that taste like apple pie in a glass, it’s a simple, delicious way to celebrate the season and a tasty excuse to stock up on Chelan Ranch Sweetangos while they’re fresh off the trees!

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Best Homemade Peach Pie

Our friend Mike Miller grows delicious organic peaches that we’re selling at our farm store for local pickup. Right now, the variety we have is called Sierra Rich. The skin of these peaches has a delicate blend of sunset hues — golden yellow blushed with deep coral or rosy red, like a watercolor painting. They are so beautiful, I hate to remove the skin! But it’s required if I’m making a pie. Homemade peach pie with a dollop of ice cream is another summer tradition. Keep your eye on the farm store because Mike promises his next peach variety, called Sweet Dream, is too sweet. We’ll let you know when they arrive!

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Embrace the Flavor: Delicious Ways to Enjoy Dark Sweet Cherries

Best Dark Sweet Cherries

Dark sweet cherries are a summertime delight that captivate with their deep mahogany hue and irresistible sweetness. Thanks to favorable weather and meticulous pruning, this year’s crop is firm, flavorful, and ready to elevate your culinary adventures year-round. Whether kept chilled in the crisper for smoothies, stirred into yogurt, or baked into decadent desserts (remember to pit them!), these versatile fruits are beloved by our team and anyone lucky enough to taste them.

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