Searching for Amazing Apples? You’ll Find Them in Michigan, Naturally! 2024 Michigan Apple Harvest is Underway
LANSING, Mich. – Why is it that Michigan apples just seem to taste so much better than all the other apples out there? The answer is easy – it’s Michigan, naturally. Michigan’s climate, proximity to the Great Lakes and nutrient-rich soil make it the ideal place to grow an amazing variety of high-quality, flavorful apples.
“Apple harvest is well underway at this time,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Growers were harvesting 10 days to two weeks early this year, thanks to an early and mild spring. Check our estimated harvest dates to find out when you should start looking for your favorite Michigan Apple variety at your local grocery store.”
Michigan’s mild weather, buffered by the Great Lakes; plenty of moisture; cold winters and warm, sunny summers; and nutrient-rich soil are just a few the attributes that make the state an ideal place to grow apples. The area commonly known as the “Fruit Ridge” along Lake Michigan between Grand Rapids and Muskegon, is home to about 75 percent of Michigan’s apple production.
“The Michigan climate and soil are not the only things that make Michigan Apples delicious,” said Smith. “We believe the apple grower is the most important factor in producing high-quality apples, and Michigan Apple growers are the best in the business.”
There are 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan. The state is now in its third season in a row of large apple crops, estimating a harvest of 30.5 million bushels (1.28 billion lbs.) in 2024 – well above Michigan’s average of approximately 25 million bushels.
“Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan – not to mention a big part of Michigan’s culture. Ask any Michigander about their fall traditions, and you’ll hear about apple picking, apple cider and more. Apples are the flavor of fall in Michigan, naturally,” said Smith.
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.