Highly-awaited Honeycrisp on the horizon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Denise Yockey
(800) 456-2753
(DeWitt, Mich.) – The fruit from the newest and most popularly planted Michigan Apple tree in the industry today – the Honeycrisp – is about ready to hit the shelves.
Consumers should start looking for the Honeycrisp in stores and farm markets real soon. According to Michigan Apple Committee Executive Director Denise Yockey, some growers have already started to harvest the Honeycrisp, about two weeks earlier than originally anticipated.
“Michigan apple growers are delighted with the overwhelming response apple fans have had to the Honeycrisp,” said Yockey. “In fact, the superb quality and taste have earned the Honeycrisp distinction as perhaps the most sought-after, top-of-the-line variety on the market today.”
The apple is certainly trend-setting. Since its introduction to Michigan a little more than 15 years ago, the Honeycrisp has created a buzz unlike any before it. Growers here have taken notice of its popularity with consumers and responded accordingly. Last year alone, Honeycrisp apples accounted for a third of all the new apple acres planted across the state.
“Keeping in mind that Michigan produces more than 20 different varieties on a commercial basis, the number of new Honeycrisp plantings speaks volumes about the quality and popularity of this variety,” said Yockey. “In fact, if consumers want to try Honeycrisp make sure to pick them up when you can, because they disappear real fast.”
The Honeycrisp was introduced in Michigan in 1990 when just a couple acres were planted. Since then, growers have continued to invest in Honeycrisp, planting a total of 1,200 acres. Last year alone there were 240 new acres of Honeycrisp planted, far surpassing the next most planted tree – Gala – with 135 new acres.
Known as perhaps the best fresh-eating apple on the market, Honeycrisp – as the name suggests – has a sweet honey-like taste and superior crispness. They are an excellent choice for fresh slices, as well as for serving on sandwiches and in salads.
To find the nearest farm market offering Honeycrisp apples, please visit www.MichiganApples.com. Click on Industry and then Farm Markets. A red apple denotes Honeycrisp availability.
The Michigan apple harvest got underway in early August with the arrival of the Paula Reds, followed closely by the Ginger Gold and Gala. There are about 950 apple farms in the state, spanning some 37,000 acres.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world.