High light levels in New York state so far this summer will lift sugar content in the state’s apple crop, growers report.
Production got off to a wet start in the spring, but orchards have been basking in sunshine since.
“Sunny weather means sweeter fruit, and happy apple eaters,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association. “New York is going to have a strong, tasty crop and we are going to have plenty of our apples in the marketplace before anyone else. Consumers are going to be delighted with our quality this year.”
Early varieties will start picking later this month, but the harvest begins in earnest in September once Empire and McIntosh come on stream.
Allen reported that crop development is on schedule and will not be starting with any delays despite the heavy rains that slowed blooming.
Volumes are forecast to be similar to last year’s crop size of approximately 30.3 million bushels, ranking it second behind Washington state in apple output.
Local market varieties Jersey Mac and Tydeman are the first off the trees followed by Ginger Gold and Paula Red. Internationally popular Honeycrisp and Gala are also important cultivars for the state.
Meanwhile, news that McDonald’s in the US will be providing apple slices in all its Happy Meals nationwide from next month has been welcomed by the association.
