This is my favorite time of the year. The air is cooler, nights almost cold, and the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees, littering the ground with a rainbow of yellows, reds, and browns. I also love this time of year because it means the end of the growing season, a time to celebrate what the earth puts forth to nourish us. Visiting local farmers' markets, which are full of vegetables and fruits, is a joy in this weather, as is going out into the field and picking food yourself. Fortunately, we live in an area with many community-supported agriculture farms that allow you to do just that, and at this time of year, one of my favorite experiences is apple picking.

We live in the heartland of apple country. During the early 20th century, this area was the world's leading apple producing region, shipping barrels of apples across the Atlantic to supply Europe. Leed Orchard spanned the area from Markham to Upperville, blanketing the countryside in apple trees, many of which still exist in the fields and forests. In fact, there are at least three apple orchards still operating within this area that offer pick-your-own services with many different types of apples.

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The old adage "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" may actually have some truth in it. Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, particularly when the skin is eaten. Some studies have shown that eating the equivalent of half a medium-sized apple every day, or three apples a week, may have a protective effect against heart disease, some types of cancer, and asthma. Obviously, as is the case with most fruits and vegetables, eating the skin and flesh conveys the most nutrients; therefore, if you are going to consume apple juice, try to choose a "cloudy" variety that contains some pulp.

Whenever you eat fruit (or veggies), even if they are obtained from a local grower, be sure to wash them well. Although organic apples are available at some of the local grocers, both of the local growers I spoke with said that growing organic apples on the Eastern seaboard is nearly impossible due to the number and types of pests. However, both of them use consultants to ensure they are spraying only what is necessary, and they stop spraying about one month before the fruit ripens. What you can be assured of is that you will not be purchasing fruit that has been covered in wax for shipment.

With nearly 10,000 varieties of apples, which are members of the rose family, there is sure to be a type you will enjoy. Ranging in flavor from sweet and sugary to tart and bright, apples come in all shades of red, yellow and green. The more tart varieties are usually used for cooking and baking (a common favorite among the growers is Macintosh), while the sweeter varieties are usually eaten raw (America's favorites are the Delicious and Granny Smith varieties, but I tend toward Jonathan). In general, prices for pick-your-own apples range from $0.50 to $1.50 a pound, depending on the quantity you purchase. Visit www.virginiaapples.org to search for a pick-your-own orchard (there are three in the Loudoun/Fauquier area: Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville and Stribling Orchard and Hartland Orchard in Markham).

Autumn Asian Greens Salad

This is a great healthy pot luck dish that includes a few apples. There are a plethora of Asian greens available, such as mizuna, komatsuna, joy choi, tatsoi, and bok choi. Due to their dark green appearance, they are very high in vitamin C, folic acid and other antioxidants. This salad also could be made with the packaged "broccoli slaw" mix available in many grocery stores.

8 cups chopped Asian greens (or broccoli slaw mix; omit carrots if using)
2 medium tart apples, chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded or julienned
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup salted roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted walnuts
Juice of one lemon
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to coat with dressing. Serves 4-8.