Michigan Apple Orchards

April 21, 2024 Post a Comment

Michigan apple orchards

Are you ready for apple picking in Michigan 2022? The best month for apple picking in Southern Michigan is mid September through mid October.

Where are the most apples grown in Michigan?

The largest Michigan apple production areas are near Lake Michigan, from the Indiana border to as far north as Charlevoix. The top five apple producing counties are Kent (10,300 acres), Berrien (5,300 acres), Van Buren (5,200 acres), Ottawa (4,000 acres) and Oceana (3,550 acres) (17).

Are apple orchards a Michigan thing?

Michigan is a major contributor to the apple market, so it's really no wonder that there are so many opportunities for cider tasting and apple picking throughout the state. Nothing says 'Autumn' like spending a crisp, sunny day sipping fresh apple cider and biting into warm donuts.

How many apple orchards are in Michigan?

How Many Apple Orchards Are In Michigan? There are as many as 775 apple orchards in the state of Michigan. Many of them are family-owned and some have been in operation for more than 100 years.

Is October too late for apple picking?

Some types of apples are ready to harvest as early as July, while others develop their best flavor during the frosty days of autumn, ripening in October or November. Your window for harvesting apples can extend for several weeks or even months with the right mix of varieties.

Is 2022 a good year for apples?

The fruit growers expect a good apple yield of approximately 1,051,000 tonnes in 2022. Based on an estimate of July 2022, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reports that the apple yield is expected to be nearly 46,000 tonnes, or 4.6%, higher than a year earlier.

What is the #1 apple producing state in the United States?

Washington State currently produces over half the Nation's domestically grown apples and has been the leading apple-growing State since the early 1920s.

Why do apples grow so well in Michigan?

“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 Amy Irish-Brown, district fruit educator with Michigan State University Extension.

What is the sweetest apple in Michigan?

Gala. With a mellow sweetness and a crisp bite, this is one of the most popular Michigan Apple varieties. This is another good one for both snacking and baking.

What 3 states produce the most apples?

The top ten apple producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio and Idaho (U.S. Apple Association, 2021).

What apple trees grow best in Michigan?

Apples are in fact one of the most important commercial fruit trees grown in Michigan.
We recommend growing cold-hardy and disease resistant varieties such as Idared, Redfree, Pristine, Enterprise, Empire, Honeycrisp, Ginger Gold.

What is the biggest cash crop in Michigan?

Most valuable crops grown in Michigan

#9. Cucumbers.
#8. Cherries.
#7. Blueberries.
#6. Apples.
#5. Potatoes.
#4. Wheat.
#2. Soybeans.
#1. Corn.

Can you eat apples while apple picking?

The short answer is no for a number of reasons. Unwashed fruit can have a significant amount of pesticide residue and potentially harmful bacteria. Research has shown that foodborne causing microorganism Listeria Monocytogenes is most prevalent at the stem and base of the apple.

What is the best month for apples?

Depending on the variety, apples are available from late July through early November. Gala, Macoun and McIntosh ones are ready to go in September, so start stocking up now. Gala apples are sweet with a reddish-orange and yellow-striped skin.

Do apples get sweeter after picking?

Unlike some fruits, apples continue to ripen long after they are picked off the tree. This ripening (or over-ripening affects the texture not the taste of the fruit. (ie. They won't get sweeter just softer).

What apples are in season in Michigan?

Here are the apple committee's estimated harvest times for Michigan apples:

Paula Red: Pleasingly tart — Aug.
Ginger Gold: Sweet with a hint of tartness — Aug. ...
Gala: Soft flesh and sweet — Sept. ...
McIntosh: Juicy and tart — Sept. ...
Honeycrisp: Sweet and crisp — Sept. ...
Jonathon: Crisp and a hint of spicy tang — Sept.

Why are apples so small this year?

Apple trees often set more fruit than they can mature to a good size and quality. If you permit all that fruit to stay on the tree until harvest time, you will wind up with a lot of small apples.

Can apples be stored for a year?

Apples stored in a commercial refrigerated storage will keep for 4 to 6 months, but for long term storage up to 12 months, growers use CA storage. Apples for CA are picked at their peak of internal quality and condition. They are rushed into a CA storage the day they are picked.

What apples are in season right now in Michigan?

Apple Varieties	Approx Ripening Dates
Jonagold	Mid- September- mid October
Golden Delicious	Mid- September- mid October
Red Delicious	Mid- September- mid October
Cortland	mid-late Sept

What picking season is it in Michigan?

When to pick: the season starts with strawberries in June, cherries in July, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants, and peaches in Mid-July, nectarines and pears in August, and apples in September. The farm also sells pears in late August and chestnuts beginning in October.