Skip to main content

- Advertisement -

Winter apples continue to rise in popularity

By
Keith Loria

Apples have long been the royalty of autumn’s harvest, but in the past decade, winter apples have surged in popularity, leading to significant growth for apple growers. While traditional varieties remain essential, the increasing demand can be largely credited to the introduction of numerous new varieties that are reshaping the market.

For example, Next Big Thing, a cooperative of dedicated growers at premier orchards from Nova Scotia to Washington, introduced the SweeTango, in 2019 — a premium apple variety that combines the Honeycrisp and Zestar! Varieties.

“SweeTango’s success hinges on our growers’ steadfast commitment to the common goal of producing a superior apple,” said Jennifer Miller, executive director of Next Big Thing. “Winter apples are exciting and SweeTango has a place on shelves as many consumers are looking for healthy alternatives as they move into the New Year.”

Winter apples, such as the crisp and tangy Honeycrisp and the consistently sweet Fuji, bring unique qualities that make them ideal for winter enjoyment. These varieties are harvested later in the season, allowing them to develop a dense texture and robust flavor profile, perfect for both snacking and cooking. Their ability to store well for extended periods also means that consumers can enjoy them throughout the winter, providing a refreshing burst of color and taste amid the season’s dreary palette.

Grown primarily in Minnesota and Washington, Honeycrisp apples have gained a reputation for their refreshingly juicy bite, making them a favorite for snacking. On the West Coast, Fuji apples, initially developed in Japan, are being harvested in abundance, delivering an irresistible sweetness that makes them perfect for both snacking and baking.

As the market for winter apples grows, other varieties are starting to gain attention. The tart and vibrant Granny Smith, originally from Australia, is a staple in many households, particularly in Washington and California. Meanwhile, New York’s Empire apples offer a delightful blend of sweet and tart, often finding their way into pies and other desserts.

Additionally, over the last 5 years or so, the winter apple category has seen many new Eastern-grown apples enter the varietal fray.

For instance, SnapDragon and EverCrisp are big sellers for Yes! Apples and varieties such as KORU and RubyFrost are gaining in popularity year after year.

In Michigan, state growers are seeing a prosperous year with estimates of approximately 30.5 million bushels or 1.281 billion pounds according to the Michigan Apple Committee. Across Michigan, there are nearly 15 million apple trees in commercial production. The apples are widely available at farm markets and cider mills across the state and in 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S.

“As growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop sizes will increase, and we will continue to see these larger crops,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.

Apple growers have noticed a shift in consumer preference, leading many to expand their orchards to include winter varieties. Recent reports indicate that sales of winter apples have increased, prompting growers to diversify their offerings. New cultivars are emerging, including exciting hybrids that blend flavors and textures, appealing to adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike.

Keith Loria

Keith Loria

About Keith Loria  |  email

A graduate of the University of Miami, Keith Loria is a D.C.-based award-winning journalist who has been writing for major publications for close to 20 years on topics as diverse as real estate, food and sports. He started his career with the Associated Press and has held high editorial positions at magazines aimed at healthcare, sports and technology. When not busy writing, he can be found enjoying time with his wife, Patricia, and two daughters, Jordan and Cassidy.

Tagged in:

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -