“Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, so many events and traditions have been canceled. But nature doesn’t get canceled,” says Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Michigan’s apple growers have continued to work through the crisis, and apples continue to grow. Right now, they are ripening on trees and will be ready for consumers to enjoy in just a few short weeks.”

Early varieties, such as Paula Red and Ginger Gold, are estimated to be ready for harvest about Aug. 25 and 27, respectively. America’s most-produced variety, the Gala, looks to be coming off trees about Sept. 8. Honeycrisp is estimated to be ready for harvest about Sept. 18. View a full schedule of estimated harvest dates at michiganapples.com.

“There is always a great deal of excitement around apple harvest time, and this year is no exception,” Smith says. “In fact, consumers are more interested than ever in providing fresh, healthy foods for their families, as staying healthy and well has been top-of-mind over the past several months.”

Consumers can find information about the health benefits of apples, as well as recipes and healthy meal plans at michiganapples.com/healthy-living.

“Apples are literally a symbol of health,” Smith says. “They have numerous health benefits, and they can be eaten fresh or incorporated into recipes. Michigan’s apple growers continue to be dedicated to providing safe, quality fruit throughout the COVID-19 crisis, while taking great care to keep their workers and operations safe as well.”

Michigan apple growers harvest an average of 25 million bushels each year. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan.

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. For more information, visit michiganapples.com.

Source: Michigan Apple Committee, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.