Rachel is apple picking in Hudson Valley
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25 Best Apple Picking in Hudson Valley Spots to Visit

When September starts rolling around, the fall activity frenzy is in full swing in New York State. One of the most popular fall activities enjoyed by everyone is apple picking in Hudson Valley. 

Apple picking in the Hudson Valley can begin as early as late August at select orchards and run to as late as November. Keep in mind that the apple picking season will vary from orchard to orchard and depending on the harvest you will be able to grab different kinds of apples.

With so many Hudson Valley apple orchards scattered throughout this area, finding the right one for you might take some time. Over the years, we have been to many orchards throughout the Hudson Valley. They all offer different fall activities and entertainment. With that, we have made a list of our all-time favorites.

As you go through the post, we hope to alleviate the stress of finding the best apple picking in Hudson Valley for you. 

In this post, you will find:

  • List of Hudson Valley apple orchards separated by county
  • Location of Hudson Valley apple orchards
  • Hudson Valley apple orchards website
  • Brief description of the Hudson Valley apple orchards

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Other Posts for the Hudson Valley:

Apple Picking in Hudson Valley

Row of apple trees
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The Hudson Valley encompasses a wide area of New York State from just above New York City all the way up to the Capital District. The region includes all of the New York counties which sit along the Hudson River.

There are 3 different sections from the north to the south: Upper Hudson Valley, Mid Hudson Valley, and Lower Hudson Valley. Those sections can again be separated into the east side of the Hudson River and the west side of the river.

Lower Hudson Valley: Apple Picking Orchards

Even though you will find fewer orchards in the lower Hudson Valley, they are well worth a visit, offering more than just the pick-your-own apples experience. Make a whole day trip out of it and add some other fun fall activities like nature or yoga workshops.

Westchester County

Going to an orchard is one of the best things to do in fall in upstate New York
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  1. Stuart’s Fruit Farm
    62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs NY, 10527
    (914) 245-2784
    www.stuartsfarm.com

Dating back to 1828, this family run farm is still going strong as a great apple picking in the Hudson Valley destination. Stuart’s Fruit Farm supplies the lower Hudson Valley with specialties all year long. 

In the spring, you can buy a varied selection of flowers and vegetable plants whereas in the fall, you can stop in for apple picking, peach picking, and the pumpkin patch. In the winter, it is also a great spot to get your Christmas tree. It is a one-stop shop for all things festive throughout the year. 

If you happen to be visiting NYC, especially during the fall season, take an hour detour up to Westchester County and visit Stuart’s Fruit Farm for a fun afternoon of New York Hudson Valley apple picking. 

  1. Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
    130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560
    (914) 485-1210
    www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard is all about apples. They have even taken it to the next level of producing their very own hard apple cider called, Hardscrabble Cider. 

Even though their main harvest focus is cropping apples, the farm also produces other fruits and vegetables as well as farm-raised meats that are sold in their farm store. 

This farm doesn’t stop there. They also have a kitchen that is open daily serving up a variety of breakfast and lunch items. And that is not it, they also host a variety of events throughout the year, like Yoga on the Farm, Children’s Seed Bomb workshop, and Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures.

Rockland County

Rachel holding an apple in her hand
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  1. Dr. Davies Farm
    306 Rt 304 Congers, NY 10920
    (845) 268-7020
    www.drdaviesfarm.com

Dr. Davies Farm is home to a lot of rich history dating back to 1836. The farm went from a two-story farmhouse to a full farming operation of orchards packed with fresh fruits and vegetables and a pick-your-own option with multiple farm stands. 

With over 5,000 trees and 27 varieties of apples to pick from, Mr. Davies Farm is an ideal place for apple picking in Hudson Valley. You will surely find an apple for your personal taste. 

Top Tip: Even if you can’t visit Dr. Davies Farm in person, check out their website for some delicious apple recipes.

  1. Orchards of Concklin
    2 South Mountain Road Pomona, NY 10970
    (845) 354-0369
    www.orchardsofconcklin.com

Orchards of Concklin has tons to offer their visitors from pick-your-own, locally grown produce, a bakery, farm stand, fresh apple cider, cider donuts, specialty foods, and more. 

Unlike most farms, Orchards of Concklin even makes sure customers who live too far away can enjoy their products by shipping them right to their doorstep. That is especially beneficial when you need some replenishment after finishing their delicious goods too fast. 

Mid Hudson Valley: Apple Picking Orchards

Since the density of farms is pretty high in the Hudson Valley, you don’t even have to drive far once you are in this area of the state, and as Orange County locals we are even more lucky by living close by to some of the best Hudson Valley apple picking destinations listed below.

Orange County

  1. Soon’s Orchard
    23 Soons Circle New Hampton, NY 10958
    845-374-5471
    www.soonsorchards.com/

Soon’s Orchard is a long-running family-owned farm business that started over 100 years ago as a dairy farm with a few fruit trees. Today, Soon’s Orchard is one of the most popular and busiest orchards in the Hudson Valley. 

The farm has expanded from offering apple picking, pumpkin picking, and peach picking, to a farm store selling a variety of goodies from fresh vegetables, baked pies, fruits, ciders, nut butter, and more. In recent years, they even started hosting farm dinners and added a cider mill with flavorful tastings.

Soon’s is by far one of our top orchards to visit and to go apple picking in Hudson Valley. If you happen to swing by, make sure to grab their hot apple cider donuts and fresh apple cider to wash it down. You will not regret it. 

  1. Apple Dave’s Orchard
    82 4 Corners Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
    (845) 986-1684
    www.appledavesorchards.com

Apple Dave’s Orchard is a great place to spend a fall day filled with apple picking, epic fall foliage views, food, and more. 

This popular orchard in Warwick, NY sees tons of visitors throughout the year. Come pick your own apples in the large orchard, then grab a drink and cider donut, and lay out on the lawn overlooking the famous Appalachian Trail and Apple Dave’s Lake. 

When it is not apple picking in Hudson Valley season, make sure to stop by Apple Dave’s Distillery for local wines, beers, and cocktails. 

  1. Apple Ridge Orchard
    101 Jessup Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
    (845) 987-7717
    www.appleridgeorchards.com

Apple Ridge Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm which is located in the popular Warwick Valley in the Hudson Valley. It is open seasonally from July to November for visitors to pick their own apples, pumpkins, and peaches, and to enjoy a variety of other fun activities. 

The farm has beautiful scenery which sets a perfect backdrop for enjoying the day in their manicured fields and orchards. You can even enjoy a hayride. 

But what makes visiting an orchard the best is the delicious treats at the farm store. Here at the Apple Ridge Orchard, we can highly recommend the 100% raw honey from their honey bee hive. 

  1. Ochs Orchard
    4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, N.Y. 10990
    (845) 986-1591
    www.ochsorchard.com

Like many of the farms in the Hudson Valley, Ochs Orchard is a long-standing family-owned business. 

Nowadays, the farm consists of 100 acres but started out small and expanded greatly over the years. What began as apple and peach orchards, is now a farm filled with a variety of fruits to pick, a popular farm market, an ice cream parlor, a petting zoo, and a cider mill. 

  1. Pennings Orchard
    169 State Road 94 S, Warwick, NY 10990
    (845) 986-7080
    www.penningsorchard.com

Pennings Orchard’s lovely farm is located just outside the historic Town of Warwick in the Hudson Valley, which makes it a prime location for visitors to enjoy fall in upstate New York. Their apple orchard is large with lots of varieties of apples to pick throughout the season. 

Pennings is much more than just an ordinary orchard. There is a large farm market, cafe, beer garden, cidery, ice cream stand, and garden center on-site for you to experience. You can easily spend an entire day enjoying Pennings Orchard. 

  1. Warwick Valley Winery & Orchard
    114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY 10990
    (845) 258-4858
    www.wvwinery.com

Warwick Valley Winery & Orchard has it all. It is definitely one of the most attractive places to go apple picking in the Hudson Valley. Their multiple large parking lots are always filled with cars. 

Apple picking is just one of the many things Warwick Valley Winery & Orchard is known for. To stay on the apple trend, they are home to the popular Doc’s Hard Cider. Don’t worry if you are not into cider, they also have a large selection of delicious wines which pair nicely with the apples. 

There are also large lawns and table areas to enjoy live music on the weekends. If you do plan on spending more time here, make sure to grab something to eat from their cafe which serves up tasty fries, pizzas, and more. 

  1. Masker Orchard
    45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990
    (845) 986-1058
    www.maskers.com

Masker Orchard is a great place to enjoy a countryside day, especially if you are looking to escape the nearby hustle and bustle of New York City

Here, you can pick apples and have a picnic while taking in the best of New York’s fall foliage. It is one of the few orchards where you can still drive right up to the tree to pick your apples. You may even grab apples from an original 1913 apple tree. 

Like most orchards you will find in the Hudson Valley, you can also visit the orchard store for some tasty treats and drinks. 

Putnam County

Apple picking in Hudson Valley in the fall
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  1. Salinger’s Orchard
    230 Guinea Rd, Brewster, NY 10509
    (845) 277-3521
    www.salingersorchard.net

Salinger’s Orchard has been committed to providing 18 assortments of apples to their customers as well as a variety of other fruits and seasonal items. Although the pick-your-own season only runs during specific times of the year, their farm market and cafe are a major attraction throughout the whole year. 

The farm’s location allows visitors from the New York and the western Connecticut area to stop over and enjoy their products. 

Dutchess County

Two apples on a branch
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  1. Mead Orchard
    15 Scism Rd, Tivoli, NY 12583
    (845) 756-5641
    www.meadorchards.com

Over 100 years and 3 generations, Mead Orchard has accomplished a well-run orchard with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. 

If you are looking for more than just apple picking in Hudson Valley, Mead Orchard also offers cherry, blueberry, peach, and pumpkin picking during the respective seasons. 

Don’t worry if Mead Orchard is out of the way for you. When you can’t pick the apples yourself, you can catch their tasty fruits at a variety of farmers’ markets in the Hudson Valley. Check their website to see which markets they attend and when.

  1. Greig Farm
    227 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook, NY 12571
    (845) 758-8007
    www.greigfarm.com

Originally, Greig farm started as a dairy and fruit farm but as the estate progressed and it became popular to pick your own fruits, the farm adjusted to producing more and more fruits and vegetables and left the dairy farming behind. 

Besides apple picking in Hudson Valley, you can also stop by the farm for their asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, peas, and blackberries. In the fall pumpkin picking is a great hit. Be sure to check their website for when to pick your desired fruit. 

Greig Farm is not just a farm, it is a whole community. What makes them stand out from other orchards is their array of activities to enjoy, the farm trails being one of them. After hitting the trails you can treat yourself to their farm market and the cafe with some locally produced goods. Make sure to also explore the craft market which includes several galleries and cute little shops. 

  1. Barton Orchards
    63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 12570
    (845) 227-2306
    www.bartonorchards.com

Barton Orchards is a top apple picking in Hudson Valley destination, being one of the first pick-your-own orchards in the area.

A visit to Barton’s is much more than just going to an orchard. Admission to the orchard includes hay rides, mazes and games at the fun park, petting zoo, farm market, tap room, dog park, live music, and concessions. However, activities may differ depending on when you visit and some are only open on festival weekends.

With so much to do at Barton Orchard, it is best to spend a whole day to take advantage of all the fun activities.

Ulster County

Apple picking in Hudson Valley in the fall
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  1. Dressel Farm
    271 State Route 208, New Paltz, NY 12561
    (845) 255-0693
    www.dresselfarms.com

Dressel Farms is a family-operated homestead currently run by 3 generations of the Dressel family. Since the beginning, they pride themselves on keeping true to the family farm traditions.

They are a fully operational supplier of apples along the east coast and overseas, so even when you aren’t able to go apple picking in Hudson Valley at Dressel’s yourself you can still enjoy their apples by purchasing them in grocery stores. 

Although Dressel’s primary focus is apples, apples, apples, they have expanded to harvest strawberries, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, pumpkins, and more. They also produce their own cider at Kettleborough Cider House. 

  1. Weed Orchard
    43 Mt Zion Rd, Marlboro, NY 12542
    (845) 236-9357
    www.weedorchards.com

Five generations on the run and Weed Orchard is still growing strong for apple picking in Hudson Valley. On their 40 acres of land, Weed has an ultimate pick-your-own experience that runs from summer to fall. Depending on the time of year, visitors can pick apples, plums, nectarines, green beans, peaches, zucchini, eggplant, and pumpkins. 

But picking your own fruits and vegetables is not the only thing going on at Weed Orchard. Each weekend they offer festivities with hayrides, live music, and barbeques. For those of age, you can sip on homegrown hard ciders and wines, as well as a variety of New York State craft beers. 

Also on-site at the orchard is a playground for the kids, a bakery, a lake, and backyard dining. 

  1. DuBois Farms
    209 Perkinsville Road, Highland, NY 12528
    (845) 795-4037
    www.duboisfarms.com

DuBois Farm is a small farming operation that was almost lost until it was bought by the DuBois Family. They purchased the land to keep it a farm instead of turning it into a development property. After rebuilding, the farm has even expanded in size and offers a variety of fruits and more.

Visitors can go apple picking in Hudson Valley, as well as, pick strawberries, nectarines, plums, peaches, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, pumpkins, and flowers on their own.

After you’re done getting your fruits, grab a bite to eat at the Farm Market and Cafe, a delicious dessert from the bakery, tasty brick oven pizza from the pizzeria, or an irresistible ice cream from the ice cream shop. If age-appropriate, you can wash everything down with a drink at the Tavern. 

  1. Hurd’s Family Farm
    2187 State Route 32, Modena, NY 12548
    (845) 883-7825
    www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com

Enjoy a pleasant fall afternoon in the Hudson Valley Apple Country at Hurd’s Family Farm. Come for the apple picking in the Hudson Valley experience, and stay for the fun on the farm. 

To get access to all the activities, which include hayrides, corn mazes, jumping pillows, slides, obstacle courses, playgrounds, animal feeding, and tons more, you can choose to pay separately or purchase one of the entertainment packages.

Note: Apple and pumpkin picking are sold separately.

  1. Jenkins-Lueken Orchards
    69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
    (845) 255-0999
    www.jlorchards.com

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards has been expanding its business for over 50 years. This family-owned and operated orchard is open year round but apple picking is only available during certain times of the year, as well as pumpkin, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry picking. 

While collecting your fruits, enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby Shawangunks. Afterward make sure to stop by the farm stand for more juicy fruits, vegetables, cider, and sweet treats from the bakery. 

  1. Kelder’s Farm
    5755 US-209, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
    (845) 626-7137
    www.keldersfarm.com

Kelder’s Farm is much more than a farm, it is a whole family fun fall experience with over 30 attractions and entertainment. Besides a great apple picking in Hudson Valley experience, you can enjoy the jumping pad and pillow, slides, petting farm animals, milking a cow, playing mini golf, shooting a basketball, climbing around a spider web, yard games, playgrounds, corn mazes, hayrides, tons of photo ops, and even more.

After having fun with all these activities, grab some food and drinks at the Farmer’s Grill, Pizza Barn, or The Loading Dock. 

Before heading home, stock up on your farm favorites at the farm market. 

  1. Stone Ridge Orchard
    3012 NY-213, Stone Ridge, NY 12484
    (845) 687-2587
    www.stoneridgeorchard.com

Stone Ridge Orchard’s scenic property between the Shawangunk and the Catskill Mountains is said to be one of the best apple picking in Hudson Valley spots for over 200 years. 

The orchard started out with the classic apple varieties and now has expanded its selection to gourmet assortments as well as other fruit. 

Besides picking your own apples, you can visit the farm stand and farm bar for additional food and drink specialties. 

Upper Hudson Valley: Apple Picking Orchards

Greene, Columbia, and Albany County are not just well known for their apple-picking orchards. Here, you can also indulge in locally produced treats and take your favorites right back home. 

Greene County

Apple trees in front of colourful trees
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  1. Boehm Farm
    233 County Rte 26, Climax, NY 12042
    (518) 731-6196

Boehm Farm is kind of off the radar in the upper Hudson Valley which makes it one of the hidden gems in the state. As part of the ‘Buy in Greene’ program they sell apples, peaches, nectarines, pears, and an assortment of vegetables. 

Since apple picking in Hudson Valley can get kind of exhausting, it is only reasonable to visit their store afterwards to refuel with some delicious, hot apple cider donuts and quench your thirst with apple cider. 

Columbia County

Branch of apple tree
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  1. Love Apple Farm
    1421 NY-9H, Ghent, NY 12075
    (518) 828-5048
    www.loveapplefarm.com

Love Apple Farm is a beautiful 80-acre estate with views of the Catskill Mountains. Although they claim to be an apple farm, they sell and produce much more than just juicy fruit. You can also find blackberries, blueberries, cherries, gooseberries, peaches, plums, raspberries & strawberries.

The u-pick season only lasts for a short time, but the farm is open year-round with other delicious treats and goodies to enjoy. You can pop into the bakery to indulge in homemade baked goods from the highly requested apple cider donuts to other yummy apple delights, muffins, brownies, scones, and more. 

Also make sure to stop at the market and gift shop for other food specialties, kitchen essentials, and gifts. 

Albany County

Visit Indian Ladder Farm in fall in upstate New York
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  1. Indian Ladder Farms
    342 Altamont Rd, Altamont, NY 12009
    (518) 765-2956
    www.indianladderfarms.com

Indian Ladder Farms is a very popular and heavily visited farm in the Hudson Valley. The parking areas are always filled with visitors, especially during the prime fall season. This 90-acre farm is home to orchards that produce 40 varieties of apples, pumpkins, and other berries. 

If you are planning a visit to Indian Ladder Farms, make sure to spend the day or afternoon because there is much more to do than just apple picking in Hudson Valley. 

On-site, there is a large market, cidery, brewery, and cafe to enjoy. And if you like apple cider donuts, make sure to wait out the long line for a hot and fresh one. 

Apple Picking Season

Stand with different kind of apples
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Apple picking season in the Hudson Valley will generally run from late August through November. But do remember, each orchard will have its own apple-picking timeline based on the location and apple varieties.

Different kinds of apples get harvested at different times of the year. If you are looking for a specific type of apple, you should research when that assortment is available. 

If you aren’t picky about what type of apple to eat or if you even want to try new kinds, then there will always be apples for you to pick during the season.

Best Month to Go Apple Picking in Hudson Valley

Since different apple varieties ripen at different times of the year, it can be a little difficult to say when exactly is the best month to go apple picking in Hudson Valley. 

However, to be on the safe side, we would recommend going apple picking in Hudson Valley from September to mid-October. This is the prime part of the season for most of the popular apple assortments. 

Best Tips for Apple Picking in Hudson Valley

Apples sliced up on a cutting board
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After apple picking in Hudson Valley make your own apple tasting
  1. Check hours of U Pick times vs. Orchard times

Some orchards are not open every day of the week, or just open on weekends, while others have specifically designated pick-your-own-apple times. It is important to know what the specific hours are for your desired activity at the orchard so you don’t miss out. 

  1. Research the price for apple picking in Hudson Valley

An important consideration to think about when deciding on where to go apple picking in Hudson Valley is pricing. The price will differ significantly depending on the orchard you chose to visit. 

Some people may be shocked at how much money you will have to pay for picking your own apples. You definitely pay for the experience itself, but it is so much fun that it is absolutely worth it. 

There are various ways orchard prices can be determined. You could pay admission per person, pay per bag before picking apples, pay per bag after picking apples, and pay by weight. Some orchards also charge you to park in their lot.

  1. Watch the weather

The weather can definitely shape an apple picking in Hudson Valley experience. An optimal day for apple picking is semi-warm to warm with sunny to partly sunny skies. The big thing you will want to look out for is the rain. Heavy rain before you plan on visiting will cause the orchards to be wet and muddy and that is no fun to walk around in while picking apples. 

  1. Investigate the Apple Varieties 

This might be something you may not even think about before going apple picking in Hudson Valley but knowing the apple types or varieties which you can pick at certain orchards is crucial. Picking apples that are not to your liking is a make-or-break situation. 

Things to know about apple varieties are:

  • Not all apple types are ripe at the same time
  • Some apple varieties are better than others for eating or baking
  • There are so many different tastes

We would recommend checking the orchard’s website or calling ahead to find out which apple varieties are available to pick for your desired visit date. 

  1. Expect to Walk or Take a Shuttle to the Apple Trees

At some orchards, the parking area is far from the actual pick-your-own orchard. If this is the case, you may have to take a hayride or shuttle to get to where you need to go. At other orchards, you will only have a short walk from where you parked to the apple trees.

  1. Find out if Pets are Allowed

It is common for people to want to bring their pets to the orchard to enjoy a nice day outside. However, not all orchards will allow pets on the property which is usually due to having petting areas for their own animals. So to be safe, it is good to check in advance if pets are welcome. 

  1. Have a Picnic at the Orchards

An orchard is a fun fall activity and a lot of people like to enjoy having a picnic after apple picking. Some places may even have food onsite to purchase and others may not. If you plan to have lunch after apple picking in Hudson Valley, you should check to see if you can bring your own food or if you have to purchase the food on their property.

  1. See what else the Orchard Offers

Many orchards offer more than just apple picking in Hudson Valley. Usually, orchards have a store or food trucks where you can buy a variety of items. Other orchards offer activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting farms, live music, and even more family-friendly entertainment.

  1. Have your own Tasting at Home

What we still don’t understand is why orchards don’t offer apple tastings. Nowadays, you can taste a bunch of drinks and foods to see what you like best before purchasing them. So why is there nothing equivalent when it comes to all the different kinds of apples harvested in New York State?

After our recent apple picking in Hudson Valley trips, we made our own tasting at home. When picking the apples, we made sure to put a small one of every kind in a separate bag and labeled them. Without the separation part, it will be impossible to distinguish the apples once they are together in the bag. 

At home, we simply created a list of all the different kinds of apples we picked and sliced one of each assortment up to rate their taste. 

How to Store Apples after Picking

To keep your apples fresh for longer, here are some helpful tips.

  1. Avoid bruising your apples
  2. Wash apples right before use
  3. Keep apples cool 
  4. Place in the crisper draw in the refrigerator 

What to Do with Your Apples

After you went apple picking in Hudson Valley, you should have tons of apples to bring home but what do you do with all of them? Depending on how many people will be eating the apples, it may be difficult to just slice them up and eat them in the following weeks. 

Here are some things we like to make with all the apples we pick:

  • Sliced apples with Peanut Butter
  • Homemade Apple Sauce
  • Apple Pie
  • Apple Crumb
  • Apple Turnovers
  • Candied Apples
  • Apple Cider Donuts
  • Apple Cider Muffins
  • Apple Strudel 
  • Caramel Apples
  • Apple Crumb Bread
  • Apple Butter
  • Apple Cake

What is your favorite Orchard to go apple picking in Hudson Valley? Which other fruits do you like to pick on your own?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Top: Apples on an apple tree, Bottom: Bag full with apples
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