There’s a good reason that apples are the official fruit of New York State: we are the second largest producer of apples in the United States, and there are almost 700 apple farms here. The apple industry in New York State employs about 17,500 people. Apple trees are happiest in a climate that is warm half the year and cold half the year. Apple trees also need a lot of water in order to produce fruit, so even though rain can dampen our spring and summer plans sometimes, it makes the apple trees very happy!
Even though the Red Delicious is one of the most popular apple varieties, it doesn’t really have the best flavor. Not all apples are best for the same thing, either; some are great for eating, while others are awesome in baking. Don’t worry if you like to eat fresh apples and cook with them – a lot of varieties work for both.
Here are some facts about apples:
- You can use your SNAP card to purchase all kinds of apples at farmers’ markets across the state.
- Some of the tastiest New York State apples are Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Macoun, and Northern Spy. Don’t be afraid to try other varieties that you might see at your local market – remember that the farmer can answer any questions you have about their products.
- Apples are part of the rose family – yup, those roses. Peaches, plums, pears, and cherries are also in that family.
- Most apples are picked by hand, not by machine.
- Apples float because they are 25% air.
- One of President George Washington’s favorite hobbies was caring for his apple trees.
- There are 7,000 different kinds of apples grown around the world. 2,500 of these are grown in America. The only apple that comes from the USA is the crabapple.
- Scientists think that apple trees first grew in mountains that are between modern-day China and Russia. People started growing them as a crop in ancient times (around 325 BC). The first apple orchard was planted in the United States in 1625.
- Apples are delicious and good for you, so buy them when they’re fresh at your farmers’ market!
Here’s what’s being picked this week*:
Apples
Raspberries
Cabbage
Leeks
*Availability will vary by market due to differences in growing zones.