The Orchard
Seven distinct varieties ripen in waves from late August through October.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm grows seven apple varieties in Julian, California, and they ripen in waves rather than all at once. Gravenstein opens the season in late August in small numbers; Jonathan, Empire and Gala follow through September; Fuji and Golden Delicious carry September into October; and Pippin closes it out in October. Which apples you can pick depends on when you come, so it is worth checking the timing before you drive up.
Tart · Complex · Aromatic
The earliest to ripen — tart, complex, and aromatic. A longtime favorite for cider, sauce, and baking.
Best for: Cider, sauce, baking
Late AugustSweet-Tart · Bright · Bold
A beloved all-purpose apple with bright red skin and a sweet-tart flavor. Superb for fresh eating and baking alike.
Best for: Fresh eating, baking, salads
SeptemberCrisp · Juicy · Sweet
A McIntosh × Red Delicious cross. Crisp, juicy, and subtly sweet — a crowd-pleaser that holds up beautifully in pies.
Best for: Pies, fresh eating, snacking
SeptemberSweet · Mild · Snackable
One of the world's most popular apples for good reason. Mild, sweet, and endlessly snackable straight off the tree.
Best for: Fresh eating, kids' favorite
SeptemberHoney-Sweet · Crunchy · Dense
Dense, honey-sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy. Our Fujis are a perennial visitor favorite — bags fill up fast.
Best for: Fresh eating, snacking, salads
September – OctoberMellow · Sweet · Buttery
Mellow, mild sweetness with thin golden skin. Outstanding for fresh eating, salads, and applesauce.
Best for: Applesauce, salads, fresh eating
September – OctoberTart · Firm · Complex
The Newtown Pippin — one of America's oldest apple varieties. Tart and firm, it makes exceptional pies and sauces.
Best for: Pies, sauces, baking
October