Michigan Apples Still Thriving in Snowy Weather
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Denise Yockey
(800) 456-2753
DeWitt, Mich – Despite a number of Michigan cities setting records for early snow fall the apple crop is still going strong. The Michigan apple harvest still has two weeks to go, but the winter-like conditions have not harmed this year's apples.
“There has been no damage to the apples left on the tree as a result of this unseasonably cold weather,” said Denise Yockey, Executive Director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Because the temperatures have stayed in the low to mid 30s the last few days, it has been a refrigerated environment for the apples. There have been some concerns about the strong winds, but the snow and cold have not caused significant problems.”
Harvesting has been placed on a temporary hold however, due to the fact that the apples cannot be picked with frost in the flesh. As the temperatures warm back to normal for autumn (40 degrees and above), regular harvesting will resume.
At this date, 90 percent of Michigan apples have already been harvested. Many Southwest Michigan many orchards have already completed their harvest for the year.
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. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.