Virginia Grown apples are ripe and ready—for picking, for purchasing and of course, for eating. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports the outlook for the 2015 apple crop is excellent and says this is probably the finest crop of Golden Delicious apples Virginia has produced in years.
The state’s growers have been harvesting apples since August when the earliest varieties started ripening, but the Commonwealth’s apple season is now coming into its prime. Orchards will pick an abundance of fresh Virginia apples through November, and thanks to today’s advanced storage technologies, growers can assure freshness and availability nearly year-round.
Growers representing the state’s three major apple-growing areas, Southwest, Central and the Northern Shenandoah Valley, anticipate a very good apple harvest this year. Overall, conditions were favorable for an abundant crop with good taste, size and color. “We have plenty of delicious apples available in Virginia, including the Golden Delicious variety that is doing so well this year,” said VDACS Commissioner Sandra J. Adams. “The Commonwealth is the sixth-largest U.S. apple-growing state, and many consumers in our region, the U.S. and around the globe look forward to Virginia Grown apples each year.” Virginia exports apples to India, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and other countries.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), apples were Virginia’s 15th largest agricultural commodity with farm cash receipts totaling $33 million in 2013, the last year for which we have figures. In 2015, the USDA expects Virginia apple production to total 180 million pounds. The Commonwealth is home to more than 150 commercial apple growers, as well as many pick-your-own farms that sell directly to the consumer.
Nothing beats the crisp, crunchy and sweet taste of Virginia Grown apples. Because the state grows so many varieties, there is an excellent selection throughout the season. Ginger Gold and Gala apples were harvested in August. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp and Jonathan apples typically are picked in September. In October and into early November, many fall favorites are harvested including Rome, Stayman, York, Winesaps, Granny Smith and Fuji apples. On September 10, the National Agriculture Statistics Service announced that about 52 percent of this year’s commercial crop has been harvested.
Virginia offers many ways to celebrate this favorite fall fruit, including festivals that feature pick-your-own apples, a selection of ready-picked varieties and apple products. Consumers may search for orchards, events, pick-your-own farms and more online at VirginiaGrown.com or www.virginiaapples.net. VDACS encourages consumers to call ahead to confirm fruit availability and hours of operation.
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