Consumers look forward to eating Eastern apples
Consumers look forward to eating Eastern apples
With September just around the corner, Eastern apples are poised to once again captivate consumers with their quality, flavor and versatility — reminding why they remain a perennial favorite in markets across the country.
“Consumers want a variety of apple flavors — from sweet to tart — and are using apples in smoothies, desserts, entrées and even as side dishes,” said Cynthia Haskins, executive director of the New York Apple Association.
For that reason, NYAA offers more than 300 recipes on its website, www.ApplesFromNY.com, and will soon launch a new blog highlighting apple health benefits and cooking tips. A store locator webpage is also being added to help consumers find New York apples near them.
“New York apples are a perfect healthy snack, and we’re using social media to share the many ways they can be enjoyed,” Haskins said. “New York apple shippers will offer a broad range of packaging options this season — including poly bags, pouches, totes, and tray packs — to meet diverse consumer preferences. We’re working closely with retailers to tailor the right mix of promotional offerings that drive sales and keep New York apples front and center for consumers.”
Of course, it’s not just New York apples that are in demand on the East Coast, where the exceptional taste and texture of eastern apples are largely attributed to the region’s unique climate.
For instance, Virginia’s warm days paired with cool nights, along with ample rainfall, create ideal conditions for cultivating rich, deep soil — perfect for producing a diverse array of apple varieties.
Annually, Virginia farms yield approximately 5 to 6 million bushels across more than 16,000 acres, with its apples reaching markets in 15 states and contributing roughly $235 million to the state’s economy.
Then there’s Pennsylvania, which ranks No. 4 among U.S. apple-producing states, maintaining more than 21,000 acres dedicated to apple orchards that produce between 400 and 500 million pounds annually. While nearly half of these apples are harvested for fresh consumption, the remaining half are processed into products like cider, applesauce and baked goods. The state’s varied terrain, including the protective Appalachian Mountains, supports apple cultivation across all 67 counties. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s apple industry fuels tourism through initiatives such as Picked: An Apple Trail, which offers visitors curated itineraries in regions like the Pocono Mountains, Susquehanna Valleys and Dutch Country Roads.
Maryland is also flush with apple growers. The state has approximately 205 bearing orchards across about 2,400 acres, producing nearly 41 million pounds of apples annually. Popular varieties include Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Empire, Jonagold, McIntosh, Mutsu, Rome, Stayman, York Imperial and Ginger Gold.
So, retailers across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast are preparing to welcome a new season of crisp, flavorful eastern apples from regional growers in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and expect a strong season ahead.
Eastern-grown apples are prized for their flavor and freshness, and are especially popular this time of year, drawing crowds to pick-your-own orchards and fueling seasonal favorites like cider, donuts and homemade pies.
