Michigan Naturally Produces Best Apple Flavor
Michigan’s unique climate and geography help give apples superior taste
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s climate and geography provide ideal conditions for hard working apple growers to produce quality, flavorful fruit. With an average annual harvest of nearly 30 million bushels, Michigan is the second largest apple producing state in the United States. While Michigan is second in quantity, many believe the flavor of Michigan-grown apples is the best in the world.
“Michigan’s climate provides a growing season of mostly cool nights, warm sunny days and plenty of moisture –ideal factors in producing a flavorful crop of apples,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Michigan’s nutrient-rich soil is also a key factor producing great apples. Growers monitor soil, weather and other conditions to ensure healthy trees produce quality fruit.”
Sunshine provides the energy trees need to produce flavorful, sweet fruit. Moderate night temperatures help regulate fruit growth, and the right balance of moisture helps trees produce good-sized apples. The Fruit Ridge, the area along the shores of Lake Michigan, stretching from Grand Rapids north to Hart, has ideal nutrient-rich soil in which apple trees thrive.
Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, which buffer some of the severe weather coming across the Midwest. The Lakes also help in bringing precipitation to apple growing areas.
Topography is also a factor in apple production. The landscape of a growing region plays a role in the health and success of the orchard. Lower areas can experience colder temperatures, while higher areas could be more exposed to the elements, but tend to set better fruit. Apple growers take great care in planning the layout of the orchards with this consideration.
“Of course, we believe the apple grower is the most important factor in producing flavorful, high-quality apples,” said Smith. “Growers are part scientist and part artist – it is a unique and complex balance, making decisions based on weather, timing and potential threats such as disease and pests. They rely on research, experience and their gut on a daily basis as they produce their crop. We are fortunate in Michigan to have so many elements in our favor contributing to the best tasting apples in the world.”
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. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.