Michigan Apple Harvest Season on Schedule
Michigan Apple varieties to be harvested August through October
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Harvest season is here and fresh Michigan Apples will be available at farm markets and grocery stores starting in late August. Michigan is the third largest apple producer in the nation.
“Overall, the weather during spring and summer has been good for apple production. Growers are set to harvest early varieties later this month with many more to come soon after that in September and October,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Michigan has many varieties to choose from, but Honeycrisp, Gala and Fuji have become consumers’ favorites not only in Michigan, but across the country.”
Sweet as honey with a crisp bite, Honeycrisp apples have become wildly popular in a short time. Honeycrisp apples were developed at the University of Minnesota in the 1960s, but were not introduced to the market until the 1990s. Its sweet flavor and crisp flesh make it an ideal apple for eating fresh, whether it’s cut in slices or thrown into a delicious salad. The Michigan Honeycrisp is expected to begin harvest on September 17.
Juicy and sweet, Gala is Michigan's most popular apple variety. Related to Golden Delicious apples, the Gala apple originated in New Zealand. Gala apples offer a crisp snappy bite over a mellow sweetness and can be enjoyed fresh or pressed into cider. This sweet smelling variety is expected to begin harvest on September 8.
Developed in Japan, the Fuji apple is a cross of two American varieties — Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. A fantastic mix of sweet and tart flavor, Fuji apples stay crisp for several weeks. Fuji apples are great for fresh-eating and add a unique sweetness to any baked good. Fuji is expected to begin harvest on September 23. The complete list of projected harvest dates can be found at http://bit.ly/31nxzQO.
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 www.MichiganApples.com.
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