NORTHPORT, N.Y. (WABC) -- Brothers Andrew and Louis Amsler have been running Richters Orchard since 1979, after taking it over from their father who bought it in 1946. They kept the name of the farm's founder, Frederick Richter, who began farming in 1900.
It is one of the few remaining family farms on Long Island, and specializes in growing apples, pears and peaches. Between October and May, the farm makes its own cider on premises.
To visit: Richters Orchard, Pulaski Road, Northport, N.Y.
More about apples and apple farms in New York: http://www.nyapplecountry.com
The state of New York has nearly 700 growers and 10,000,000+ apple trees. New York grows more apple varieties than any other state.
Which apples are best for what? Here's a guide (source: The New York Apple Association):
Honeycrisp
Complex, sweet-tart flavor, juicy
Best for: Eating and salads, sauces, baking and pies
September through February
Braeburn
Sweet, tangy, aromatic, juicy
Best for: Snacking, sooking, sauces and salads
Oct.-April
Cameo
Tart, sweet flavor, crispy
Best for: Fresh eating, salads, pies, sauces, baking
Late Oct.-April
Cortland
Sweet, juicy, tender
Best for: Eating, salads, sauces, pies and baking; good for freezing
Sept.-April
Empire
Sweet and tart, a combinastion of red delicious and McIntosh
Best for: eating, salads, sauces, baking, pies and freezing
Sept.-Aug.
Fuji
Sweet, juicy
Best for: Eating and salads
Oct.-June
Gala
Mild sweet flavor, juicy
Best for: Eating and salads
Sept.-June
Golden delicious
Mild, sweet, juicy
Best for: eating, salads, sauces
Sept.-June
McIntosh
Sweet and tart, very juicy
Best for: Eating and sauces
Sept.-June