Apple Harvest Underway in Upstate New York

The harvest of New York State’s most popular apple varieties begins this week. The quality of the fruit this season is outstanding, with continuous sunshine and heat this summer putting high sugar levels into fruit, according to grower reports. “Consumers should expect super sweet apples from our growers this fall,” said New York Apple Association president Jim Allen.“Our crop is very early this year, so look for your favorite varieties at least a week sooner than typical,” Allen said.McIntosh apples are being picked right now across the state. Other varieties picked this week include Gala and Honeycrisp.The New York Apple Association is again partnering with retailers this fall to help alert consumers to the local aspect of the crop. “Buy local” signage and “New Crop Apple” displays will be in place in most supermarket produce departments.“We hope New York consumers will pick our local apples versus apples from across the continent,” Allen said. “Our apples taste more fresh and flavorful because they just came off the tree and were shipped directly to your store.”Apples grown locally taste better, are more crunchy and fresh and leave a smaller “carbon footprint” since they travel shorter distances to market, helping the environment.Growers are predicting a 27 million bushel crop, with outstanding growing conditions throughout much of the summer, especially the past month.A complete directory of the state’s orchards, as well as variety info, recipes and health facts can be found online at www.nyapplecountry.comAvailability Dates For 2010 New York Apple Crop:Jersey Mac In the barnTydeman In the barnPaula Red In the barnGinger Gold In the barnJonamac In the barnZestar In the barnMcIntosh This weekGala This weekHoneycrisp This weekCortland 9/10 – 9/20Macoun 9/20 – 10/1Empire 9/22 – 10/1Spartan 9/25 – 9/30Jonathan 9/25 – 9/28Red Delicious 9/25 – 10/15Jonagold 9/25 – 10/8Lady Apple 9/25 – 10/120 Ounce 9/25 – 10/1Crispin 9/30 – 10/10Golden Delicious 10/5 – 10/15Idared 10/10 – 10/18Fuji 10/10 – 10/25Rome 10/15 – 10/18Fortune 10/15 – 10/20Cameo 10/15 – 10/25Stayman 10/15 – 10/25Northern Spy 10/15 –Braeburn 10/15 – 10/30