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| Michigan Apples |
Michigan Apple Quick Facts
Apples are Michigan's largest and most valuable fruit crop, with a value of about $100 million annually to the apple grower.
Value-added marketing and processing enhance the economic contribution of Michigan Apples up to $700 million of economic impact annually.
There are over 7.5 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 37,000 acres, on 950 family-run farms throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Michigan harvested approximately 903 million pounds (21.5 million bushels) of apples in 2006.
Apples are by far the largest fruit crop grown in Michigan. Michigan produced approximately 1.4 billion pounds of fruit in 2005 including apples, tart cherries, sweet cherries, blueberries, peaches, grapes, strawberries, pears and plums. About 56 percent of that amount was apples, which totaled 780 million pounds.
Small family farmers who operate their own orchards dominate the Michigan apple industry. According to statistics, 99 percent of Michigan orchards had fewer than 100 acres in apples.
Newer apple orchards are trending toward high-density planting, upwards of 500 trees per acre. Well-trained, high-density plantings come into production much more rapidly than "standard" apple trees of old, so growers can bring desirable new varieties to market more quickly.
Michigan plays a vital role in processed apples. About 60 percent of all Michigan apples are processed into another product. Michigan is the largest supplier of apple slices used in commercially prepared apple pies. Michigan apples are also a main source for applesauce, fresh-cut slices, and fresh and shelf-stable apple cider.
Longtime favorite varieties still dominate Michigan's orchards. The most prevalent variety remains the Red Delicious, followed closely by the Golden Delicious. The Gala is rapidly gaining on tradition, however.
The Honeycrisp variety is continually growing in popularity. Look for it in September and October, and enjoy it while you can, as it will most likely be gone by mid-November! A growing number of Honeycrisp tree plantings still aren't in pace with its popularity among consumers! Honeycrisp has a crisp, juicy bite and a sweet flavor. They are best for fresh eating and also a great addition to salads!
For more information about Michigan apples, contact:
Michigan Apple Committee
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