Sep 15, 2020

Ontario’s apple harvest plentiful this year

Ontario consumers are in for a particularly flavorful apple harvest this year. The hot, sunny summer months not only provided great growing conditions, they’ve also helped build fantastic flavors in this year’s apple crop.

“It is an absolute vintage year in terms of flavor,” Ontario Apple Growers chair Cathy McKay, an apple grower and operator of a pick-your-own orchard near Port Perry, said in a news release.“We’ve had a hot summer with plenty of sunshine and we had rains at just the right time in August, so the apples have done really well this year – the size and taste are terrific.”

Unlike some years, apple growers did not experience significant spring frost or hail, both of which have an impact on fruit size, shape, and quality. This means an abundant supply of a wide range of locally grown apple varieties throughout fall and winter.

Apples are a healthy food choice – as a fresh, on-the-go snack, as part of a nutritious school lunch, or as an ingredient in meals, baked goods and desserts. And for people looking for a fun family outing close to home this fall, Ontario’s pick-your-own apple orchards are ready to welcome visitors with COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure a safe farm experience.

“There is tremendous interest this year in local food and activities, and pick-your-own is a great option for families looking for a fun, safe outdoor activity to do this fall,” adds McKay. “We encourage consumers to support local farms and businesses and to look for the Foodland Ontario symbol when they’re shopping for locally grown apples.

Ontario produces approximately 15 main varieties of along the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The farm gate value of the Ontario apple crop is approximately $90 million, which includes sales to fresh and processing markets as well as on-farm/pick-your-own.

The Ontario Apple Growers represents the province’s 200 commercial apple farmers. Visit www.onapples.com for recipe ideas and grower profiles, or follow Ontario Apple Growers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ontarioapples).

Cathy McKay, Chair, Ontario Apple Growers. Photo: Ontario Apple Growers