New York apple growers expecting big harvest for 2005
New York apple growers expecting big harvest for 2005
FISHERS, NY -- The New York Apple Association announced Aug. 1 that its annual crop prediction is 27 million bushels for the fall harvest -- an above-average crop, which is expected to produce sweeter-than-normal fruit due to continued sunshine throughout the state.
It is the third year in a row that growers will pick a big crop. The average crop size is 25.5 million bushels, but last year's crop was 30.4 million bushels, which was one of the larger crops ever. The 2003 crop was also more than 30 million bushels, and the 2002 crop was 16 million.
"The storyline in the orchards is another big crop this fall," said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association, which represents all the state's 695 growers. New York ranks second in apple production nationwide. "We have an abundance of sweet, big apples and happy apple growers.
Bloom and pollination this spring were decent, despite some frost in mid-May, according to growers in the state's primary growing regions: the Hudson Valley, along Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario. Long stints of sunshine this summer have generated higher sugar contents in the fruit, which expected to result in sweeter, more flavorful apples.
The size of the fruit is expected to be bigger than normal. Clusters of early fruit typically "drop apples in June, leaving remaining apples more room to grow. Since drop was heavier than normal due to high June heat, apples have more branch space to expand.
Harvest of early-variety apples such as Paula Red and Ginger Gold will begin this month.
The state's harvest will begin in earnest in September and run through early November. The state's most popular varieties are McIntosh, with 19 percent of the state's total production, and Empire, with 11 percent of the state's total. Other major varieties in descending order are Red Delicious, Rome, Cortland and Idared. The state also produces popular up-and-coming varieties like Gala, Fuji and Honey Crisp.
Apple consumption is on the rise due to continued university research proving that apples can help fight cancer, help lower cholesterol and help dieters lose weight. Apples are the third most popular fruit item in grocery store produce sections behind bananas and grapes.
The annual crop estimate comes from the NYAA board of directors, made up of 15 growers representing different growing regions throughout the state.
It is the third year in a row that growers will pick a big crop. The average crop size is 25.5 million bushels, but last year's crop was 30.4 million bushels, which was one of the larger crops ever. The 2003 crop was also more than 30 million bushels, and the 2002 crop was 16 million.
"The storyline in the orchards is another big crop this fall," said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association, which represents all the state's 695 growers. New York ranks second in apple production nationwide. "We have an abundance of sweet, big apples and happy apple growers.
Bloom and pollination this spring were decent, despite some frost in mid-May, according to growers in the state's primary growing regions: the Hudson Valley, along Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario. Long stints of sunshine this summer have generated higher sugar contents in the fruit, which expected to result in sweeter, more flavorful apples.
The size of the fruit is expected to be bigger than normal. Clusters of early fruit typically "drop apples in June, leaving remaining apples more room to grow. Since drop was heavier than normal due to high June heat, apples have more branch space to expand.
Harvest of early-variety apples such as Paula Red and Ginger Gold will begin this month.
The state's harvest will begin in earnest in September and run through early November. The state's most popular varieties are McIntosh, with 19 percent of the state's total production, and Empire, with 11 percent of the state's total. Other major varieties in descending order are Red Delicious, Rome, Cortland and Idared. The state also produces popular up-and-coming varieties like Gala, Fuji and Honey Crisp.
Apple consumption is on the rise due to continued university research proving that apples can help fight cancer, help lower cholesterol and help dieters lose weight. Apples are the third most popular fruit item in grocery store produce sections behind bananas and grapes.
The annual crop estimate comes from the NYAA board of directors, made up of 15 growers representing different growing regions throughout the state.
