Aug 11, 2020

Early Michigan apple varieties estimated to be ready at end of August

Michigan’s much-anticipated apple crop is right on schedule, and growers are ready to harvest the delicious fruit for consumers to enjoy.

“Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, so many events and traditions have been cancelled. But nature doesn’t get cancelled,” Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, said in a news release. “Michigan’s apple growers have continued to work through the crisis and apples continue to grow. Right now they are ripening on trees and will be ready for consumers to enjoy in just a few short weeks.”

Early varieties, like Paula Red and Ginger Gold are estimated to be ready for harvest around August 25 and 27, respectively.  America’s most-produced variety, the Gala, looks to be coming off trees around Sept.8. Honeycrisp is estimated to be ready for harvest around September 18. You can view a full schedule of estimated harvest dates at MichiganApples.com.

“There is always a great deal of excitement around apple harvest time, and this year is no exception,” said Smith. “In fact, consumers are more interested than ever in providing fresh, healthy foods for their families, as staying healthy and well has been top-of-mind over the past several months.”

Consumers can find information about the health benefits of apples, as well as recipes and healthy meal plans at MichiganApples.com/Healthy-Living.

“Apples are literally a symbol of health. They have numerous health benefits, and they can be eaten fresh or incorporated into recipes,” said Smith. “Michigan’s apple growers continue to be dedicated to providing safe, quality fruit throughout the COVID-19 crisis, while taking great care to keep their workers and operations safe as well.”

An official estimate of the size of Michigan’s apple crop will be released on August 21, as part of the USApple Outlook Virtual Conference.

Michigan Apple growers harvest an average of approximately 25 million bushels of apples each year. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.