Empire apples

The New York Apple Association (NYAA), which represents growers across New York state, has announced that this season's harvest is underway with prospects bright for a huge increase in volume.

The state's nearly 700 apple growers are expecting to pick about 32m bushels by the time harvest concludes in November, the NYAA said, which would represent a modern record.

Excellent weather conditions have led to large, juicy fruit with high sugar levels, NYAA confirmed.

“Good news, New York state apple fans: This year’s apple harvest is on time, and is now in full swing across New York state,” said NYAA president Jim Allen. “Our consumers who have been waiting for us to get back into the market after last year’s short crop will have lots to celebrate this fall.”

Certainly, the state has bounced back from a 2012 crop that was heavily impacted by frosts, with just 17.1m bushels harvested.

'We didn't just recover from last year, we've roared back and more,' Allen exclaimed.