It’s apple month in Michigan, which is one of the top apple producers in the United States.
Michigan apples are sold in 32 states and 18 countries, according to the Michigan Apple Committee.
Marrian VanderBeek, of Midland, said she loves this time of year because of the things she will bake. She canned 200 pounds of apples during the crop’s harvesting season.
“Apples are a wonderful fruit, it not only nourishes your body, but your soul,” VanderBeek said. “Most whatever you make with them gives a sense of comfort. It’s a cozy-feeling food.
“Who doesn’t feel warm inside with a piece of apple crisp, apple strudel or even some hot apple cider,” she added. “They keep the doctor away for a reason.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed October as Michigan Apple Month, recognizing the state’s importance to the industry.
Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in the Great Lakes State’s diverse agriculture. Growers dedicate their lives to the industry, operating 775 family-run farms with over 14.9 million apple trees, covering 34,500 acres in Michigan.
“Passionate Michigan Apple growers have carried on the tradition of growing apples for many generations and continue to produce the best tasting apples in the world,” stated Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, in a press release. “Our industry appreciates the recognition of the hard work and dedication of Michigan’s apple growers.”
This year’s Michigan Apple crop is estimated to be 18.25 million bushels (766.5 million pounds), according to the official crop estimate announced in August at the USApple Outlook meeting, held in Chicago.
“In late April, a freeze occurred in which some Michigan Apple growing areas experienced nine or more hours in the 20 degrees Fahrenheit range, which was too cold for any of the delicate apple blossoms that had opened at that time,” said Smith. “However, there will still be plenty of apples for consumers to enjoy this fall, either from the produce department of your favorite grocery store, or from farm markets, cider mills and orchards.”
Shawn Coughlin, of Bayne’s Apple Valley in Freeland, said despite the temperature issues, the cider mill has done well.
“We’ve were able to get every apple we needed and then some,” Coughlin said.
Coughlin and his wife bought the Bayne’s four years ago this week. He said they can’t grow and sell their own apples due to issues with the Tittabawassee River.
They purchase all their apples from Michigan apple growers, he said. This past year, they bought about 1,500 bushels of apples from the growers.
Coughlin said apples rank sixth or seventh among the things they sell. Doughnuts and cider top the list. Yet, among the apples they offer include the Mutsu, a very large apple that they haven’t been able to get in past years. He said they are still waiting to hear if they will get the 22 bushels, they ordered of EverCrisp apple.
“We will never get away from apples,” Coughlin said. “That’s what we are, a cider mill.”
While state apple yields ran from marginal to very good, prices were impacted. Coughlin said apple rises rose 25%, cider apples went up 35% and the prices for the plastic jugs saw a 48% increase.
“It’s the first time we’ve had to raise prices in our four years of owning Bayne’s,” Coughlin said, noting that they had to pass some of the prices onto customers.
There are an estimated 150 cider mills and 300 farmers markets in Michigan, according to the Michigan Apple Committee.
To discover new ways to celebrate Michigan Apple Month this year, visit MichiganApples.com for recipes, tips, flavor profiles, farm market locations and much more.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.
